Scholar Spotlight: Archer Daniel Jiménez Serna’s Quest for Greatness

Hudson Global Scholar: Daniel Jiménez Serna
Hudson Global Scholars program: Calvert Preparatory School U.S. Dual Diploma
Home: Colombia

Daniel Jiménez Serna of Colombia has dedicated his life to the sport of archery. His journey, filled with rigorous training and international competitions, needed to include academics. But how could he balance it with his unwavering commitment to his craft and dreams? His solution: become a Hudson Global Scholar and earn his U.S. Dual Diploma online.

Early Life and Introduction to Archery

Daniel’s fascination with archery began at a remarkably young age. “I started archery about four years ago when I was 13,” he recalls. “But my passion for it started when I was four.” His age thwarted his early attempts to join a local archery league, but his persistence paid off when he finally qualified at 13. He’s now committed to a lifelong dedication to mastering the sport.

Balancing Education and Archery

Daniel’s life revolves around archery training, which consumes about 70% of his day. But recognizing the importance of education, his family looked for options that would be flexible enough to work with his training schedule. They found Clan Academy, which works with Hudson Global Scholars to help students like Daniel earn their U.S. Diplomas.

Daniel is enrolled in a Dual Diploma program, earning both U.S. and Colombian high school diplomas. Despite his intense focus on archery, he manages to balance his studies between his Colombian courses and his U.S. courses. For example, in the spring he took three U.S. classes online: algebra, U.S. history, and language arts. His favorite subject was U.S. history, a passion that stems from the belief that understanding history is crucial to avoid repeating past mistakes.

A typical day for Daniel starts early. “I begin training at 8 a.m. and finish my first session around 12:30 p.m. After lunch and some study time, I train again from 2:15 to 4:15 p.m., followed by gym and physical conditioning until 6 p.m.” His evenings are reserved for studying until he can no longer keep his eyes open. This rigorous routine exemplifies his dedication and discipline.

While intense, the Hudson Global Scholars program allows him to manage his demanding training schedule while achieving academic success. “The dual diploma is a great advantage,” he explains. “It allows me to manage my time effectively between sports and studies.”

Challenges, Triumphs, and the Future

Daniel’s journey in archery has not been without its challenges. He emphasizes that the moments when things do not go as planned are crucial for growth. “When things don’t go how you want, that’s the best time to grow, get stronger, and become better,” he says. These experiences have taught him resilience and perseverance.

Daniel has competed in numerous international competitions, including events in Canada, Ireland, Spain, Mexico, Argentina, and Ecuador. Each competition brings new experiences and learnings, with Ireland and Argentina being his favorite destinations due to his memorable results and unique experiences there.

Looking ahead, Daniel’s plans are clear: to continue excelling in archery and pursue higher education. He has set his sights on Texas A&M University, which boasts the best archery program in the U.S. “The next three to four years are key,” he notes. “I’ll be in college and competing in the next Olympics and World Cups.”

The Importance of English and the U.S. Dual Diploma

The U.S. Dual Diploma program has been instrumental in Daniel’s development, particularly in enhancing his English skills. “English is spoken everywhere, whether you’re in China, Europe, or Latin America,” he explains. This linguistic ability has been advantageous in his international competitions and interactions.

As Daniel focuses on his dream of becoming an Olympian, he said that the Hudson Global Scholars program has reinforced the Olympic values of respect, responsibility, and excellence. “It gives me a sense of responsibility to make my work good and correct,” he says, emphasizing the importance of respecting his teachers’ and peers’ time and effort.

Daniel Jiménez Serna’s journey is a testament to his dedication, passion, and resilience. His story is not just about archery but the broader lessons of perseverance, balancing multiple commitments, and striving for excellence in all aspects of life. As he continues to train and compete, Daniel’s eyes remain firmly set on his goals, embodying the true spirit of an athlete and a Hudson Global Scholar.

Learn more about Daniel by watching the video below!