A little bit of my steps.

My name is Maria and my journey to achieving my dreams began in a small town called Santa María Tlahuitoltepec Mixe in the heart of Oaxaca. Raised in the mountains and fresh air, I grew up in an environment that, while rich in natural beauty, offered few educational opportunities beyond the local technical high school.

However, from a young age I had the dream of continuing my university studies and challenging myself beyond the boundaries of my community. With determination and courage, I decided to leave my homeland behind and move to Nuevo León to study for a Bachelor's degree at the Faculty of Law and Criminology of the Autonomous University of Nuevo León.

This transition was not without its challenges. In addition to adapting to an industrialized and unfamiliar environment, I also had to overcome the Spanish language barrier, as my native language, Ayuujk, was my main form of communication. However, each obstacle strengthened my determination and focus on achieving my goals.

To finance my studies and make a living, I immersed myself in the world of work while remaining committed to my studies. After graduating, my thirst for knowledge did not stop. I decided to embark on the adventure of learning English, first in Mexico and then in Ireland, where I lived for eight months, immersing myself in the culture and refining my language skills.

Although my educational path took me far away from home, I always maintained a deep connection to my roots and my family. The pandemic and other family obligations led me back to Mexico, where I reflected on my path so far and set new goals for myself.

Today, as I update my story, I reflect with wonder on the last five years of my life. I completed a Master's degree in International Security Management at the Berlin University of Law and Economics, immersing myself in a new language and culture. My next challenge is to master German and look for job opportunities that will allow me to develop professionally.

However, my vision goes beyond my own success. I dream of returning to my beloved Tlahuitoltepec and driving change for future generations. I want to inspire young people in my community to pursue their dreams and contribute to the sustainable development of our homeland. My journey is far from over, but I look forward to each step that brings me closer to making those dreams a reality.