Starting right from the beginning, my name is Alfonso and I’m from the heart of South America: Paraguay. Bet you’ve never heard of that one before. Growing up in a small country, I’ve always dreamed of exploring the world, seeing what’s out there with my own eyes, and becoming part of the stories that I used to hear about in the media. Here’s my story…
The Journey from Paraguay to the UK
The search truly began after finishing my bachelors degree back home. I was certain that I wanted to look for higher education but the means for it were limited. As you may well know, leaving your country is not always as easy as it seems. It took me several attempts, failed scholarships applications, and more than a few big disappointments along the way. Still, persistence and perseverance are a key factor in achieving your dreams.
I graduated with a bachelors in industrial chemistry, but my heart always belonged to the environment and its protection. Finding that perfect fit that combines both of my passions into a single degree was a difficult task, but not impossible thanks to the University of York.
Finding the Perfect Fit: Green Chemistry and Chevening
The MSc in Green Chemistry and Sustainable Industrial Technology at the University of York was exactly the match I had been searching for. It aligned not only with my academic background, but also with my desire to make a real difference. Choosing York meant choosing a place where I could contribute to sustainability at its roots, rethinking how industry works and how chemistry can be part of the solution rather than the problem. That vision is what ultimately brought me here, and it’s what continues to motivate me every day.
However, choosing the university was only the first step, I still had to find a way to make it possible. But as I said, persistence and perseverance are crucial for these kinds of dreams. After two years of trying, I got selected for the Chevening Scholarship. This is a scholarship funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office for the UK government. Thrilled doesn’t even begin to describe how I felt when I received the news. That moment marked the beginning of an incredible journey, one that I am still living through today.
The Mature Student Experience: Finding My Place
Since coming to York, everything has been a whirlwind of emotions. From adapting to a new way of learning, to sharing a flat with people from completely different backgrounds, this new and unfamiliar way of living is now my life. At first, I expected it to be extremely difficult. I was worried I would fail all my assignments, miss my family constantly, and have a hard time adjusting. But that was far from being reality for me.
A big part of navigating this experience has been learning resilience and choosing to see the glass half full. York offers a very supportive environment, and as a mature student, I never felt out of place or overlooked. The academic staff are approachable and understanding and there is a strong culture of support. Whether it’s through supervisors, student services, or peer networks. Knowing help is always available makes a huge difference when you’re adjusting to a new academic system and a new country at the same time.
That first week (Welcome Week as they like to call it) was probably the most overwhelming one. There were activities and events happening every day. Saying yes to as many as possible turned out to be essential. These events made it easier to meet new people and start building meaningful connections early on.
Looking back, those early days helped shape my experience at York. They taught me that stepping outside my comfort zone, even when it feels uncomfortable, is often the first step toward feeling at home. Never be afraid of trying new things and experiences, this can make your so-called new life a lot easier and better for you at the end.
A Vision for the Future: Leading Change Back Home
After finishing my degree, I look forward to returning to my home country and giving back to my community everything I learned this year abroad. One of the defining values of being a Chevening scholar is the ability to be a leader, and to me, leadership means being a driver of a meaningful needed change.
I hope to apply the knowledge and skills to help promote more responsible and environmentally conscious approaches within industry in Paraguay. Ultimately, my goal is to be part of a new generation of leaders who use education as a tool to create lasting impact back home.
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