Outliers - Aurora Ollinger

Hi, my name is Aurora Ollinger, and I was a Nike ambassador and member of the national team for the NACAC Championships in Athletics.

I loved sports even when I was a little girl and began practicing athletics in high school. I started to do relatively well and the people around me noticed that maybe there was a hidden talent there. While I continued practicing, I became more and more enthusiastic about training and that was when I said: “I want to join and be on the team.” 

Things began to go well for me. After seeing me perform, the coaches supported me and I was able to join the Borregos Athletics Team in high school, with a sports scholarship. In the meantime, my application form to study Medicine at Tec had arrived…

I had tried so hard and, in the end, my final grades were among the best averages in the class. My two goals had been fulfilled, but it wouldn’t be easy. 

At Tec, I belong to two academic societies: ANS, a neurosurgery chapter, and the other for Internal Medicine. Right now, I am also participating in the Covid-19 Research Protocol in Mexico City in relation to healthcare workers, which I find really interesting and exciting. 
 

My goals became more difficult and unreachable as time went by, which was a sign that I must be doing something right. I achieved something I had been pursuing for several semesters, attaining academic excellence. In the summer of 2018, I was chosen to be a Nike ambassador to promote a culture of exercise and physical activity. And, a year later, I qualified to the North American, Central American and Caribbean Championships in Athletics, representing Mexico. The first time I represented Mexico internationally, I came third in the 4x100m relay. 

Like any athlete, this had been a dream of mine ever since I started running. But just when everything seemed to be going so incredibly well in my degree and sports, I injured my tendon and had to stop running for a month. I was so discouraged and even though I kept on going to the gym, it affected my performance, which was reflected in a competition where I didn’t do well at all owing to my lack of training related to the injury. 

In order to surmount such a huge obstacle, I had to focus on my initial objectives and ask myself why I was doing things, remember my motivation. This formed my new mindset, which, together with the support of the people who were important to me, gave me the determination to keep going.

Every day, I reflect on my path and what has led me to where I am now, while continuing to pursue even greater objectives. I believe I can change the world with my attitude, living each moment and living it well… And being very happy.

I am an Outlier because my story starts at Tec and ends up changing the world.