Name: Mateo Quispe Age: 20 Nationality / Region: Peruvian (Quechua heritage, from Cusco) Role: Anthropology Student / Cultural Preservationist Class / Major: Indigenous Studies & Andean History School: Université Nouvelle d’Avéron -Grounded, respectful, deeply connected to heritage -Curious about blending traditional knowledge with modern scholarship -Patient and thoughtful listener, passionate storyteller -Values community and family above all -Committed to cultural preservation and education -Friendly to everyone, nobody can really hate him Mateo grew up in Cusco, surrounded by the legacy of the Incas and Quechua culture. His family are artisans and farmers, deeply involved in local traditions. He earned his scholarship through academic excellence and community work promoting indigenous languages. He hopes to use his education to protect Quechua heritage and advocate for indigenous rights nationally and internationally. Trivia: -Collects traditional Andean musical instruments — plays the quena flute -Drinks coca leaf tea daily — claims it “grounds me” -Often wears traditional clothing elements mixed with modern fashion -Writes poetry in Quechua and Spanish -Has a ritual of lighting a candle for local saints before exams