From Local Struggles to International Triumph: My Journey in the Pre-Master's for Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
Every journey has its beginnings. Mine started amidst the shelves of my father's pharmacy in Algeria, where, as a child, I took my initial steps in the vast world of pharmaceuticals. That small pharmacy was my first classroom, giving me lessons in patient care and the complexities of medication. But as I grew, so did my ambitions. My love for biotechnology, especially biopharmaceutical manufacturing, led me to ENSB, the High School of Biotechnology. But passion, as I would come to realise, doesn't always equate to success.
At ENSB, I found myself lost amidst local academic struggles. My enthusiasm for biopharmaceuticals was unyielding, yet I grappled with academic challenges. The vast world of biotechnology, with its intricate processes and innovations, beckoned, but my local environment seemed stifling. The crux of my struggle lay in self-evaluation; even when I achieved my set objectives, questions lingered. Why these goals? And what lay beyond them?
Little did I know then, that my journey was just taking a turn, leading me to international shores and the transformative experience of my pre-master's program.
In Algeria, the educational landscape is dotted with a few, albeit very limited, ecosystems conducive to genuine academic growth. Unfortunately, ENSB wasn't part of this favorable ecosystem. Now, this isn't to undermine the efforts of the faculty and administration at ENSB. They genuinely put in commendable work, and their commitment was evident. But Algeria, with its unique set of challenges, constantly posed hurdles, and for me, the biggest challenge was, ironically, myself.
At ENSB, I lacked clarity. Without a clear vision or short, SMART objectives, I found myself aimlessly wandering through my academic journey, trying to absorb whatever I could about biotechnologies. My only moments of genuine academic pride came during my internships in the pharmaceutical field. Looking back and penning this blog, I realize that I unfairly judged myself during my time at ENSB. I labeled myself as a weak student, one who could have achieved more but chose not to.
Yes, there were undeniable struggles: the teaching methodologies, a noticeable lack of resources, my personal challenges, and other factors certainly played their part in affecting my academic performance. However, I've come to understand that had I been a more resilient student, perhaps I could have navigated these challenges better.
And that's where the decision to venture internationally stemmed from. I wanted to prove to myself that in a different environment, with the right resources and mindset, I could thrive. Embarking on a pre-master's in the UK seemed like the ideal stepping stone – a chance to acquaint myself with a new academic culture and the nuances of studying in a different language before plunging into the master's program.
The initial descent into Glasgow was a whirlwind of emotions. To say I was a mix of excitement and nerves would be an understatement. And then, as if to test my resilience from the get-go, my luggage was lost at the airport. For a fleeting moment, I questioned my decision — was this an omen of challenging times to come?.
However, as days turned into weeks, things took a decidedly positive turn. From my very first day at the University of Strathclyde, the difference in the educational approach was palpable. Here, quality assurance wasn't just a buzzword; it was an integral part of the academic fabric. I remember thinking to myself, "This could be the perfect place to truly excel."
That realization sparked a profound shift in my perspective. I uttered a promise to myself: "There are no more excuses. It's time to give it your all." This wasn't just a commitment to academic excellence, but a broader life mantra I resolved to uphold — no more excuses, no matter where life took me.
Outside of academia, I ventured into the world of online work. While the job's been challenging over the past week, it's been a testament to my resolve to fully integrate into not just the academic, but also the daily and social fabric of life here in Glasgow.
From the moment I set foot in the UK, I was intensely aware of the challenges ahead, with homesickness being the most prominent. Despite this, I clung to a mantra that powered me through the tough times: "Make this experience worth it."
I had a vision for myself, not just to prepare for my master's but to go beyond. To achieve this, I set clear and SMART objectives. My primary goals were to improve my English, excel in my pre-master's, and secure a scholarship. Beyond these academic aims, I wanted to make every minute in the UK count.
To stay on track, I adopted a strategic approach to time management, leaning heavily on a daily and weekly calendar. This tool, filled with specific tasks, kept me focused. Of course, there were days that didn’t go as planned. Instead of being setbacks, they turned into lessons, pushing me to do better next time.
The faculty at the university played a huge role in my academic journey. Their willingness to help and deep knowledge made complex topics easier to understand. All I needed was to listen carefully and take in their insights.
But it wasn't just about academics. I knew the importance of taking care of my emotions, especially being far from home. Whenever homesickness struck, or challenges arose, I’d remind myself of the small achievements and the goals I had set. This helped maintain a positive attitude throughout.
Throughout my transformative journey as an international student, the lessons I've learned have been numerous and profound. Chief among them is the significance of adaptability. Moving to a new country and integrating into a different educational system taught me that being open and receptive to change is crucial. Equally vital was setting clear goals. Having a distinct vision for my academic and personal endeavors served as a roadmap, steering me through challenges and helping me celebrate milestones. Of course, the road wasn’t always smooth. Mistakes and setbacks were frequent, but they emerged as the true teachers, showing me the value of resilience and perspective.
One of the most beautiful experiences I had in the UK was studying with friends and hanging out with them. Even though they were new friends, our shared objectives forged a bond. We became each other's source of motivation, constantly pushing one another forward. Whether it's the spontaneity of meeting such friends or the intentional choice of surrounding oneself with like-minded individuals, I'm not quite sure. What I do know is that I will cherish those memories and friendships forever.
A strong support system, be it understanding faculty, supportive peers, or available counseling services, made a world of difference. While the pursuit of academic excellence was always at the forefront, I realized the importance of prioritizing mental and emotional well-being. Taking time for self-care, be it through hobbies or simple relaxation, became non-negotiable.
To fellow international students or those considering a similar path, my journey offers a few pieces of advice: Embrace the cultural differences you'll encounter, as understanding them is the first step to feeling at home. Engage in campus activities, which will not only help you integrate but also expand your horizons. Keep the lines of communication open with loved ones back home; their familiar voices can be a comforting anchor in overwhelming times. Organization, both in academic and personal spheres, is your ally against potential stress. And above all, believe in your decision and your capabilities. Studying abroad is a bold move, but with determination and focus, it can be the most rewarding experience of your life.