Lina María Cruz Ayala
- Age: 20 years
Competitor in Skill: Graphic Design Technology
Country: Colombia
1. How did you get interested in your skill?
I got interested in the skill of Graphic Design because I was studying this in SENA facilities, in Cali, thus, I felt motivated to play an excellent role in the filed I decided to study.
2. Where did you do your training for your skill?
I did my training mostly in the Regional Valle, at the Center for Industrial Technological Design. I spent two weeks of training outside as follows: a week in the regional San Andres and other week in the Regional Antioquia
3. How did you first find out about your Member organization and its programs?
In Colombia, SENA plays a very important role as a job-training entity. I always knew of its existence. Also, I have some relatives and acquaintances that have been trained here.
4. Who influenced you to pursue your skill as a career?
Before signing up to the skill of Technology in Graphic Design at WorldSkills I was studying a technical program in Design for Graphic Communication; therefore, I had already chosen this field as being part of my life project and professional career. Now that I am in the process, I have confirmed this is the career that I love and I really want to continue to work in.
5. What is your experience in participating with your Member organization?
My experience representing both SENA and my country has been very enriching. Representing SENA in a world-class competition means a great responsibility to me; but also a personal challenge for a clear objective. I have worked hard to put the name of SENA and Colombia overhead and somehow repay for all the opportunities I have been given , also, to show my Instructor and family how worthy this effort is
6. Describe your most memorable moment so far with WorldSkills?
My most memorable moment with WorldSkills was undoubtedly winning the award of the National WorldSkills Competition, Colombia. It was something completely new for me. Winning that gold medal and being called to receive it brought many mixed emotions to me. I felt proud of my work and to be part of an entity that provides the opportunity to participate in such important processes as the WorldSkills competitions.
7. Describe what your experience has been since your involvement with WorldSkills
I have learnt many things and everything I have experienced since I got involved in this process has been a way to learn how to take advantage of the chances life puts in front of me. I have learned to set clear goals in my life and strive to succeed. Also, I have gained a lot of mental maturity and I have become a more competitive person, willing to acquire much knowledge. I gained courage to face my fears and the unknown and most importantly, I learned to trust in me and my skills to achieve all the goals set by myself.
8. Did participating in the skills competitions and training for WorldSkills help you progress in your skill? Please describe.
I have really made significant progress in my skills related to the field of Design. Everything I have learnt after my participation in previous competitions and the training I have been taking since then- and about 2 ½ years - is increasingly broader than the knowledge I had when I just started the training program . I have greatly strengthened my technical skills and expanded the expectations that I have about my newly started career, I have been able to deepen my knowledge of industrial sector and I have learned to work aligned to this discipline.
9. What do you currently do? Where do you work?
At present I am working in Indugraficas SAS, a company dedicated to developing luxury packaging for companies such as Natura, Nacional de Chocolates, Colombina and Tecnoquimicas among others. There, I work as a Design Assistant, developing structures for industry.
10. What are your future career aspirations?
I wish I could continue studying in the field of Design, fulfill myself as a professional in Graphic Design and undertake more studies to strengthen my knowledge in the area of packaging.