One sunny afternoon, in July 2006, the British Consul in Panama rang me to let me know I was to be the recipient of the Chevening Scholarship. I could hardly believe it. It was a dream come true. 

A year and a half has gone by, and I can now say that this was a phone call that changed the course of my life. Of course, I did not realise that at the time. All I knew was that I was going to a place called Leeds- a place I had never heard about. I can still remember when the Consul recommended the University of Leeds over the phone. In all honesty, I was confused because I had planned to apply to the best known- Oxford, Cambridge, King's College. Yet, the Consul recommended Leeds. I had no idea where that was - and having some confidence in my geographical knowledge of the world, I thought – “University of Leeds? That must be a little university with a small reputation. Why would I want to go there?” How mistaken I was! It turns out that the University of Leeds has over 35 thousand students, and a very good international reputation. But at the time, although I was not entirely sure, the Consul asked me to trust him. I did. It was the best decision I have made in a long time. It is amazing how the British Council knew, even before I did, that Leeds was the right place for me.

The University of Leeds was the perfect match for my academic aspirations. My master's program was exactly what I wanted, the tutors were excellent and the university had an amazing support system for their students. Leeds is not a small town at all either. It used to be an industrial city, and therefore is not well admired in the UK. But having lived there a year, I can tell you that Leeds is a wonderful place to be. It is a city in the middle of the north of England, which is truly, the most beautiful part, with the nicest, loveliest people. Leeds is busy enough for you not to get bored ever, yet it is not overwhelmingly large. The city centre has been renovated, and the city council is making a huge effort to improve the area. It is evident that they are working very hard, and that they are succeeding. The city council had created a slogan for the city: Leeds. Live It. Love it. Yes, I know it is a little cheesy and funny, but it is also true. All of the people I met living in Leeds, were in fact, loving it- myself included.

Yet, my year in England would have never been as wonderful if it weren't for the people I met. The University of Leeds has an incredibly diverse student population. I became friends with people from all over the world- Japan, Greece, India, Bangladesh, Spain, Pakistan, China, Mozambique, Nigeria, Vietnam, England, Saudi Arabia…The list is almost endless. I owe many of my new perspectives to them.  This exposure gave me an international outlook and understanding that I had never encountered before. I had the most fascinating conversations with them, sometimes in class, but mostly in a pub. I know that these are friendships that will last a lifetime. 

My year in Leeds was eye opening, inspiring and unforgettable. Thank you Chevening for such an amazing and incomparable opportunity.  The UK will forever be a part of me.