Finding My Place in STEM

Take the Leap

This year in the UK has been an experience I will never forget. Thanks to Across the Pond and the British Council, I applied for and was awarded the Women in STEM Scholarship, giving me the incredible opportunity to move to the UK and pursue my MSc in Biotechnology at Durham University.

Getting here was not as straightforward as it might sound. When I first considered applying for the scholarship, I had a lot of doubts. One of the biggest questions in my head was whether I was “enough” to actually win such a competitive scholarship. I kept wondering whether my experience and academic background were enough to make me a strong candidate.

My assessor at Across the Pond helped me get out of my own head. He told me that I had everything to win and nothing to lose by applying. After that email, I decided to stop questioning myself and submit the application. And I am so glad I did.

The support from Across the Pond was also really helpful throughout the application process. There were quite a few documents and requirements to keep track of, and honestly, I probably would not have known exactly what was needed without their guidance! Their system made it much easier to understand the different steps and organise everything I needed to submit. Having someone there who knew the process and could guide me along the way made the whole experience feel much simpler and more manageable.
 

Why Durham Became Home

When I first arrived in Durham, I knew I was excited, but I don't think I fully understood everything that this experience would bring.

One of the things I was most excited about was the opportunity to actually live in a Durham college. I stayed at Ustinov College, where I had my own en-suite room throughout the year.

Living in a college was honestly something I had always dreamed about. Growing up, I had seen the idea of university colleges in movies and thought it looked like such a unique experience. So when I finally arrived at Durham and realised that I was actually going to live in one, it felt a little surreal.

There is something very special about being part of a college community at Durham. It gave me a sense of belonging beyond my degree and allowed me to meet people from completely different backgrounds. Having a place where you can come back after a long day at university, see familiar faces and feel part of a community made a huge difference to my experience.
 

Studying Biotechnology in the UK

A Master's degree is challenging enough, but doing it in another country, adapting to a new academic system, managing everyday life far from home, and trying to make the most of every opportunity has been a whole different experience.

Studying Biotechnology at Durham has pushed me academically and personally. It has required me to become much more independent in the way I approach my studies, manage my time and deal with challenges.

There have definitely been moments when I have felt overwhelmed, homesick, or unsure of myself. But those moments have also taught me that struggling with something doesn't mean you are not capable of doing it.

Sometimes you just need to give yourself time to figure it out.
 

The International Experience I Didn't Expect

Beyond the academic challenges, one of the things I have valued the most has been the international experience.

Living and studying at Durham has allowed me to meet people from so many different countries, cultures and backgrounds. The campus itself feels like a little international community, where every conversation can teach you something new about the world.

I came to the UK to study Biotechnology, but I have also learned so much simply by being surrounded by people who have completely different experiences from my own.

There is something incredibly valuable about sitting down with someone from another part of the world and realising that, despite having grown up thousands of miles apart, you can still find so much in common.

That international perspective is something I know I will carry with me long after I leave Durham.
 

Learning Science in Another Language

Another part of the experience that I think is important to mention is studying in English.

English is not my first language, so studying a Master's degree in English has been a challenge of its own. It is one thing to have a conversation in English, and another completely different thing to write an academic paper, understand a complicated scientific concept, participate in discussions and give presentations, all while trying to make sure you are actually saying what you mean and getting your perspective across.

There have been moments when I have had to work twice as hard simply because I was processing both the science and the language at the same time.

But it has also given me a lot of confidence. I have learned that I am capable of communicating and working in an international scientific environment, even when English is not my first language.
 

More Than Just a Degree

Looking back, I think this year has taught me much more than I expected to learn from a Master's degree.

It has taught me independence, resilience, adaptability and, perhaps most importantly, how much you can grow when you put yourself outside of your comfort zone.

There have been so many moments when I have stopped and thought, “Wow, I am actually doing this.”

I am studying Biotechnology at Durham University, living in the UK, meeting people from all over the world and experiencing a completely different way of life.

And now, when I look at where my career is going, I realise that this experience has changed much more than just my CV.

I truly feel that my career is heading in a direction I would never have fathomed before, and that has been incredibly exciting. I came to the UK to pursue a Master's degree, but I am leaving with a much clearer idea of the kind of scientist I want to become and how I see myself contributing to the scientific world.
 

Would I Do It Again?

Absolutely. This year has not always been easy, but I know for sure that it has been completely worth it. It has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

I am incredibly grateful to Across the Pond and the British Council for making this opportunity possible, and especially to the people who encouraged me when I was still questioning whether I was “enough” to apply.

Sometimes the biggest obstacle is not whether you are capable, but convincing yourself to take the chance.

And now I am here, finishing my Master's in Biotechnology at Durham University, with a year of knowledge, memories, friendships, challenges and experiences that I will carry with me for life.

This experience has already shaped the person I am and the way I see my future in science. And I cannot wait to see where it takes me next.

- Wendy