To speak of Yeray Alcalá is to speak of talent, dedication, and humility. A former student at our high school, where he earned honors and the Basque Government’s Extraordinary High School Award, he continues to shine at university with the same discipline and enthusiasm that characterized him at Somorrostro. From Logroño, where he is studying for a double degree in Mathematics and Computer Engineering at the University of La Rioja, he tells us how he is experiencing this new stage in his life.
Memories of Somorrostro
Yeray has very fond memories of his years at the school:
“I have very good memories, from the constant attention of the teachers to the mischief my classmates got up to. I remember how the teachers stayed behind during breaks to answer our questions, sacrificing their own free time, and that’s something you don’t forget.”
His career was marked by constant effort that bore fruit in the form of academic recognition. For him, receiving honors and the Extraordinary High School Award was confirmation that perseverance pays off:
“They mean that with calm, patience, and discipline, great things can be achieved. These awards are just a glimpse of what I plan to achieve in the future.”
Along the way, Yeray hasn’t forgotten those who supported him the most: “Iñaki Amorrortu and Ana Luisa San José were fundamental; they were always there for me. I’d also like to mention Ana Olmedillo and Irantzu Uriarte. It’s very likely that without them, my career wouldn’t have been what it was.”
Mathematics, passion, and challenges
During high school, Yeray had some unforgettable moments thanks to the Math Olympics, where he became runner-up in the Basque Country and represented Euskadi in the national competition:
“I remember it as a mixture of nerves and joy. I met lots of people who were as crazy about math as I am, and I had a blast. The problems were difficult, but really fun and logical.”
His passion for mathematics is innate: “I have always felt an affinity for science, especially mathematics. Logical thinking and reasoning make my brain work in a way that I enjoy.” This approach to mathematics has led him to maintain a high standard of excellence that he continues to cultivate today at university.
University life in Logroño
In September 2024, she took a decisive step: moving from Balmaseda to Logroño to start her new university life. Far from frightening him, the change has been enriching:
“It’s a change I would make again, without a doubt. When I moved, I had to face meeting new people, living on my own… and that has given me many experiences. The more you break out of your routine, the more you learn.”
His academic adaptation couldn’t have been better: in his first year, he achieved eight honors. According to Yeray, the secret lies in perseverance:
“From day one, I kept up with everything, went to tutorials when something wasn’t clear to me, and participated in class. The logic needed to solve problems isn’t developed by studying for the last three days before the exam.”
But beyond academics, independence has also taught him valuable life lessons: “I’ve learned that there is life outside of academics. Cooking is a world I want to discover, and I prefer to avoid administrative paperwork, even if it has to be done. Living alone teaches you how to survive, especially through trial and error.”
Looking toward the future
Yeray is cautious when asked about the future. He is still unsure whether his path will lie in research, business, or teaching:
“For now, I’m focusing on what’s in front of me; whatever happens, happens. Teaching doesn’t sound bad, but it has its disadvantages. Maybe working in a company would be good too. I’ll think about it when the time comes.”
He reflects maturely on his self in ten years’ time: “The future is uncertain. Thinking about myself in ten years’ time means being conditioned by my current beliefs, which are likely to change. The only thing I hope is that I’m still alive.”
What he is clear about is the message he wants to send to the students at Somorrostro who are now starting secondary school or high school:
“Enjoy every stage, both the good and the bad. Study, but enjoy yourselves at the same time. We often look forward to the next stage because we think it will be ‘better’. Sometimes it will be, sometimes it won’t. The important thing is to live each stage to the full, because everything comes in its own time.”
Yeray Alcala is undoubtedly an example of hard work and overcoming adversity. At Somorrostro, we proudly follow his career, convinced that his passion for learning and his discipline will take him far.
