Scotland Road to Scotland

I grew up on Scotland Road in a small town in New Jersey. Never did I imagine that one day I’d be in Scotland itself, exploring the very landscapes my street name hinted at, walking streets I’d only seen in pictures. The irony isn’t lost on me and sometimes I feel like it’s the universe’s way of whispering something to me. Beyond the poetic coincidence, studying abroad as a first-generation Mexican-American student has been transformative in ways I couldn’t have predicted. 

Being first-generation means growing up with a constant awareness that the opportunities I have are rare and precious. My parents worked tirelessly to provide me with education, support, and guidance even when they didn’t have the roadmap themselves. Studying abroad is part of that legacy: the culmination of sacrifice, hard work, and the belief that I could step into spaces no one in my family had walked before. 

Every new thing is a reminder of what being first-gen really means: courage, independence, and the resilience to navigate the unknown. It’s exhilarating and absolutely terrifying all at once. But it also feels powerful. Being first-generation abroad isn’t just about my own self-discovery and education but it also allows me to honor my parents, my culture, and every challenge I’ve overcome to get here. 

Being Mexican-American shapes how I see the world. It’s in the foods I crave, the music I play on long bus rides, and the stories I tell when people ask about home. Traveling isn’t a break from my culture, it’s an extension of it. Every time I see communities preserving history, passing down traditions, or celebrating their culture, I reflect on my own family’s heritage. 

I carry my roots with me in subtle ways: sharing meals with new friends and thinking about the flavors that shaped my childhood, talking about holidays and family traditions in casual conversations, and drawing strength from the resilience my parents modeled for me. My Mexican-American identity doesn’t just travel with me but it is something that is constantly guiding me, informs my perspective, and gives me a lens to interpret everything I experience abroad. 

Studying abroad can be isolating, especially as a first-generation student navigating unfamiliar territory without the safety net many of my peers have. My Arcadia peers have become an extension of my family as we laugh on bus rides, swapping stories in our flats, taking endless photos in front of iconic landmarks. Sharing these moments makes even the coldest, rainiest days feel warm. 

There’s a magic in discovering that you’re not alone in stepping into the unknown. Other students are also carving their paths, pushing past comfort zones, and celebrating milestones that might feel small to others but are monumental to us. 

Every new place challenges me to grow. I’ve learned to advocate for myself, manage finances, navigate public transit, and find my voice in unfamiliar spaces. But more than practical skills, I’ve learned about patience, perspective, and presence and most importantly how to be fully in a moment, fully in a city, and fully in myself.

“Scotland Road to Scotland” is a metaphor for my journey as a first-generation Mexican-American student. Growing up, I often felt like I had to prove I belonged in academic spaces, social spaces, and beyond. Studying abroad has been a reminder that I do belong not just because I worked for it, but because my story, my culture, and my perspective add value wherever I go. Being first-generation adds depth, perspective, and pride to every experience. It’s about claiming space in the world, honoring your family’s sacrifices, and knowing that your story matters. My advice to anyone navigating similar paths: step out of your comfort zone, explore EVERYTHING, and own it all. Bring your culture, your roots, and your story with you. It's what makes you unstoppable.