The Sign I Was Waiting For

A Dream That Never Disappeared

The idea of studying outside Mexico did not appear overnight. From the moment I began my undergraduate degree, I dreamed of having an international experience. Yet for many years there always seemed to be a reason to postpone it: finances, personal circumstances, emotionally difficult periods, or the insecurity of wondering whether I was capable enough to achieve it.

The dream never disappeared. After more than ten years of professional experience, I found myself at a different stage of life. I had been through significant changes, managed to save money and, above all, reconnected with myself. I realised I no longer wanted to wait for the perfect moment: I needed to turn that wish into a real plan.

I wanted to grow professionally, but I was also looking for something deeply personal. I wanted to prove that I could live on my own, support myself and start a life in another country through my own work, achievements and effort. More than earning a degree, I wanted to transform my life completely.
 

Why I Chose the UK

I explored programmes across Europe, but the UK had always been my first choice. I was attracted by the reputation of its universities, its academic rigour and the opportunity to study in an international environment.

There was also a more personal connection: I have always loved the British accent, I was interested in the culture, and much of the music that has accompanied me throughout my life comes from British bands. I knew that studying there would be a major challenge, but that was precisely why I felt it could transform me.
 

From Dream to Application

I discovered Across the Pond while researching how to study in the UK. I read testimonials from other students, looked through its social media channels and later encountered the organisation at education fairs.

When I contacted them, I had many doubts. I worried that I would not find programmes suited to me, that the time since my undergraduate degree might count against me, or that difficulties would arise and make it impossible to continue.

My advisor supported me throughout the process with warmth, patience and encouragement. She helped me explore programmes, understand the documentation and prepare my applications. I also received information about universities and cities, important reminders, invitations to webinars and opportunities to speak with university representatives and former students.

That support made a process that initially felt enormous begin to feel organised and achievable. When I received my offer from the University of Leeds, I was overjoyed. Knowing that a highly regarded university valued my experience and believed that I met its requirements gave me the confidence I needed to keep going.
 

The Email That Changed Everything

During the process, I also applied for several scholarships. I did so with great excitement, although deep down I thought they would be very difficult to obtain because I had never received an opportunity like that before.

One morning changed everything. An email had arrived during the night with "Tetley and Lupton Scholarship" in the subject line. I was so nervous that, for a few moments, I did not want to open it.

When I finally read that I had been selected, I could not believe it. I began to cry and called my mum to share the news. We cried and hugged as I tried to take in that the scholarship would give me tremendous peace of mind and financial stability while I was abroad.

I had promised myself that if I received it, I would take it as the definitive sign that I should go, and that is exactly what happened. From that moment, I began organising my accommodation, visa and all the details required to begin this new stage.

Later, I learned that I had also received a SECIHTI scholarship. I cried with happiness again and realised that I was achieving a goal I had considered almost impossible for so long.
 

My Moment Finally Arrived

A few months before travelling, I went through a major personal loss and, for a moment, considered abandoning the project. Even so, I decided to continue and give myself the opportunity to experience what I had worked towards for so long.

Arriving in the UK meant more than beginning a master's degree. It also meant learning to live independently, handle everything in another language and trust myself much more.

If I could speak to the version of myself who began this process , I would tell her to try without always imagining the worst possible outcome. I would remind her that dreams can come true and that some opportunities may not arrive when we expect them, but when we are finally ready to live them.

- Karla