Hi, friends! My name is Lynda, and I’m writing to you from London. I’ve been here for two months and have endless stories to share.
First-Gen Student
I was raised in a small town in Mexico, and at 16, I moved to the Rio Grande Valley in Texas. At first, I felt incredibly intimidated — the United States was a new country with a new language and culture. Or so I thought.
It didn’t take long for me to realize that most of the population in the valley was Hispanic, and many people spoke Spanish. This made my transition much easier than I had anticipated.
However, I wanted to challenge myself by moving to a bigger city and joining an institution with greater diversity and endless opportunities. So, I took a leap of faith and moved to Austin, Texas, for what our generation likes to call “character development!”
And once I’d enrolled at The University of Texas at Austin as a first-generation student, I took advantage of the opportunities to study abroad.
Arriving in London
When I arrived at the airport in London, I was terrified. It was my very first time in Europe, and I had to get an English phone line, figure out the metro system and navigate through a HUGE city with all my luggage.
(In the moment, my brain made this process seem much more complicated than it really was.)
To my surprise, getting a new line at the airport was simple, and I quickly realized London’s public transportation system is very accessible.
As I sat on the Elizabeth Line, heading toward my new home, I had an almost out-of-body experience. I kept reminding myself how incredibly lucky I was to have the opportunity to travel abroad and pursue an education in such an amazing city.
An hour later, I arrived at my new home, and in no time, I made two friends, Neus and Asya. Spoiler alert: They were two of my favorite people in the city.
The Beauty of Being a Tourist
One day, while walking to Borough Market to pick up my beloved chocolate strawberries after two months of living in London, I passed by London Bridge. I realized this route was becoming familiar.
Every day, I see hundreds of tourists, many of whom have probably planned this trip for months or dreamed of visiting London their entire lives, just like I did.
Adopting a tourist mindset everywhere I go has completely transformed my perception of the city. I now appreciate every moment, even if it’s part of my daily routine. Living with a tourist mindset is truly lovely because it has filled me with gratitude and a deep appreciation for the present moment.
The stunning Christmas tree and decorations in Covent Garden, the radiance of Big Ben, the mesmerizing architecture of Tottenham Court Road and the elegance of Oxford Street are all sights I can never quite get used to. No matter how often I visit, they always leave me in awe.
Finding Community
One of the biggest fears about going abroad is feeling lonely or out of place. But trust me when I say this: You will find your community, and it will be amazing.
As a Hispanic girl who is very attached to her culture, I was initially worried about feeling disconnected. However, over the past few months, I’ve met friends from across the globe who are more than happy to cherish my traditions and enjoy delicious meals with me.
I’ve lost count of how many times we’ve gone out for birria tacos in east London, hunted for Hispanic social events or taken a 50-minute metro ride from campus just to shop at a Mexican grocery store. Every time we’ve made food at home, like the best guacamole ever, it was completely worth it.
I’ve also formed strong bonds with fellow students from the U.S. who are studying abroad. We share so much in common, and we already have plans to meet up after this experience ends. Now, I have a home on both the east and west coasts of the U.S. – what a blessing!
The Portuguese word “saudade” captures the sense of missing something and longing to be with your people. As travelers, we live with this feeling constantly, and it has taught me to truly value the time I have with my friends anywhere I meet them. Our time together isn’t permanent, but the opportunity to reunite will always remain.
When you least expect it, you find a family away from home and create unforgettable moments – all while living abroad.
Studying Abroad is for Everyone
I strongly encourage everyone to take on the challenge and opportunity to study abroad.
As a first-generation student, I understand that asking for help isn’t always something we are used to doing. But if you need help figuring out where to start, feel free to reach out.
Talk to your program advisor, visit Texas Global and schedule an appointment with an Education Abroad advisor. Explore all the places and universities you might be interested in studying.
When it’s time to apply, don’t worry if you feel uncertain. Visit the Writing Center for support with your application. Look into scholarships through LASSO and check if your program offers financial aid for students going abroad.
I understand that everyone’s circumstances are unique, but remember: The University provides many resources to support you; all you need to do is take the first step.
Tú puedes! I believe in your courage to follow your heart and go wherever it leads you.
This post was contributed by Lynda Sandoval, a Global Ambassador for Fall 2024. Lynda is a sophomore studying abroad in London, England.
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