I am on the Hammersmith and & City Line commuting home. My head and my eyes are palpitating from fatigue because I am returning from a two days conference in Blackpool. The conference invited student leaders from across the UK to discuss topics that impact various communities, including LGBTQ+, Trans, Women, Black, Disabled and many others. The experience, the conversations and the exchange of ideas have helped me to reflect on the struggles that I have faced as an immigrant full of dreams, aspirations and challenges in the UK. 

I saw myself around a table discussing issues that are impacting students across the UK, and I started to reflect on the steps that I have taken to be part of this very moment. I arrived to the UK in 2014 speaking English at a level ranging from basic to none. I never stopped dreaming big, although I did have to adjust my expectations several times and recycle many behaviours and perceptions. At the beginning of the pandemic, I decided to join the University of West London to study Journalism. This was the first step to my trip to Blackpool. 

My early days in London taught me that I need to speak up, get involved and learn from others. I was Forum Representative in one of my previous employments. I represented employees who wanted a pay increase. The conversations with the senior manager were one the most challenging things that I did at the time. The experience thickened my skin and propelled me to understand why it is vital to understand the politics of an organisation and to be in a position of influence. 

I continue my journey of progression and self-development in London.  I am excited about the new opportunities ahead. I am proud of what I have achieved during these eight years in London. I have felt exhausted at times, and I thought, ‘When am I going to stop working so hard?’. There will be times of confusion, but I know by now that there is always a moment when the dots get connected and all the experiences that I have been through make sense. The journey continues.