Extraterrestrial species

Taking into consideration the recent technological advancement in the space industry, it is quite possible to make the next giant step - Colonizing Mars. However, interstellar space travel (with humans) is a bit far fetched as of now unless we find a new technology where we can transport living beings at the speed of light without causing self-annihilation. I would be happy to live to see the day we actually colonize Mars. Not just sent one or two astronauts. Say a colony of 100 people. What a day that would be for Mankind.