I am learning new things every day and making the most of every single part of this amazing process.

I am honoured to be awarded an International Postgraduate Taught Merit Scholarship and grateful to the University for this support and opportunity which allows me to enhance my learning journey with my master’s degree. In addition to the economic support the International Postgraduate Taught Merit Scholarship offers, I consider it a very good source of motivation and encouragement for me to keep working harder and trying my best every day.

In my decision-making process, I researched different sustainable architecture masters programmes in the UK, compared contents and methodologies, and found out that the MSc Sustainable Architecture Studies from The University of Sheffield was very aligned to what I was wanting to study.

In the MSc Sustainable Architecture Studies, I found a program with almost the exact content I was looking for. Through the Live Projects Programme as part of my studies, I am working with a real client, acting as a consultant and sustainable designer. The Project is interesting and challenging as we are learning in real-time through our other modules how to do this via the strategy and methodologies that we are taught. Managing a real life project and implementing what I am learning in a real case scenario is a skill that I value as I am able to practice what I am being taught before graduation, which will help me in my future career journey. I am really enjoying the practical experiences that I am given by having a real-life experience with a UK client, working hand in hand with great professionals and colleagues, learning new things every day and making the most of every single part of this amazing process.

A piece of advice that I would give to a student considering studying at the University of Sheffield is to reflect on where you currently are, where you want to be, and how you would like to see yourself in the future after completing a degree. For me it’s been a once in a lifetime experience.

In the future, I look forward to implementing strategies for climate resilience adaptations in projects to promote sustainability initiatives implemented in United Kingdom and be a pioneer of sustainability and climate change resilience practices in my country. Innovative and green but also efficient and cost-effective work methods in architecture projects, will attract foreign direct investments and will aid to a stronger, longer and healthier economy that may help turning Panama into a pioneer to follow for other developing countries.