Hello! My name is Nathalie Valenzuela, and I am a first-generation Mexican American student. I chose the Politics in London program because it was a great fit for my Political Science degree. I have also never traveled to Europe, so I thought the program would be a great opportunity to not only meet my degree requirements but to also step out of my comfort zone and spend a month abroad.
Before I started my program, the most important aspect for me to get a grip on was the financial aspect of the trip. Being the eldest of five children in a single-parent household means I've been supporting myself through school, and adding an overseas experience to the budget felt very intimidating. I typically spend my summers back home in Colorado working so that I can work a little less during the school year, but since I'm finishing my degrees in December, I decided to take a leap of faith. I worked very hard applying to as many scholarships as I could, and I worked closely with my program coordinators to make sure I understood the payment options that I had available to me. The timing of the program allowed me to go back home and work, so I was able to have some money saved up for my trip. Having this figured out really took some stress off of my shoulders when I started the program.
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I was a bit nervous about living in London for a whole month. I didn't know what to expect from such a big city, but once I got here, I was met with such kind and welcoming arms. Everyone, from the airport staff and waiters to the program leaders here, have been very kind and willing to help me with anything I need.
London is like a melting pot of so many unique and different communities, and I have found comfort in the diversity it has to offer. I've been really amazed by the beautiful mix of history and modernity that paints the city. The historic buildings are absolutely stunning, and they have so many beautiful parks and gardens scattered throughout the city that have helped me from getting too overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of city life.
Even though I use public transit back in Oregon, I was worried about how I would navigate a city of this scale, but once I got over the fear, it's been very easy to find my way around. I've also found it to be a very walkable city because there is so much to see that every journey feels like it deserves to be taken slowly and appreciated.
A challenging part of my experience so far has been opening myself up to meeting new people. I am not a traditional student, and I'm a bit older than everyone in my program, which has made me feel disconnected and a bit isolated; I've been doing my best to get out of comfort zone, though, and trust that even though I'm not the same age as others, we are connected through this once-in-a-lifetime experience. I've also struggled with was trying to use all of my time to explore the city. I've had to realize is that there is no way I can see the whole city in just a few weeks. Even though I want to see everything, I have to give myself some grace in that respect, that even if I need a day to rest, I am still making the most of my time here.
The most challenging part of my trip has been being away from my family and friends. The time difference has been difficult to manage, but I still make time to stay connected to my family and friends. Their support and encouragement have really helped me keep my head up high and really enjoy exploring the city, even if I have been exploring mostly independently.
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So far, the trip has helped me change how I approach day-to-day life. Being on my own has helped me build a stronger sense of confidence and outgoingness that I'll take with me once the experience is over.
I'm looking forward to updating you all again soon on my journey!
Nathalie Valenzuela, Diverse Ducks Ambassador