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“You’re the first in so many ways, the first to study abroad, to wear jeans & dream big.”

“You’re the first in so many ways, the first to study abroad, to wear jeans & dream big.”

By Priti Rathod, OSCAR Foundation Alumni

Coming from a humble family in Mumbai, where no one had completed higher education, studying in the UK was more than just a personal milestone, it was a dream fulfilled for my family. My mother often reminded me, “You’re the first in so many ways, the first to study abroad, the first to wear jeans, the first to dream big.” 

Her words echoed in my mind as I prepared for this leap to study an MSC in Finance at Cranfield University and I am grateful for the springboard the OSCAR Alumni programme has given me and the Alumni scholarship. I am also grateful to have been part of the OSCAR Child Sponsorship programme growing up and to my sponsor, Katharine Ma’am. It really does make a difference!

The night before my flight, my family gathered to wish me well. It was a bittersweet goodbye, filled with laughter and nervousness. At the airport, as they waved me off, I felt a mix of excitement and fear.

On my first-ever flight, I couldn’t sleep. I was glued to the window, dreaming about the future and wondering how I’d adjust to a new culture and environment. Landing at Heathrow was a rush, being alone in a foreign country was overwhelming. Making friends wasn’t easy, as I’m not someone who opens up quickly. But I soon found that people were kind and asking for help led to unexpected connections. I understand now the excitement the OSCAR Teams feel when they get the opportunity to travel to the UK on the School Tours and my sister, Priya who captained the OSCAR tour to the world renowned, Dana Cup in 2018 in Denmark.

University life was a big challenge at first. The cold weather, the self-study and a different academic system pushed me out of my comfort zone. Each day was a learning experience, from navigating campus to balancing studies and social life. I joined clubs like the walking society and sports, which helped me build a new support system and pushed me to grow.

Homesickness hit hard when I fell ill. Living alone meant taking care of myself, but new friends stepped in to help me. This made me realise that even new friendships can feel like family. Celebrating Diwali away from Mumbai was another turning point. Instead of feeling sad, I brought the celebration to my friends, cooking Indian food, performing a small puja and lighting candles. It wasn’t the same as home, but it brought a piece of it with me.

I’ve had moments of doubt when I questioned my decision to come to the UK, but thinking about my family’s support has kept me going. I learned that resilience is about moving forward, even when you’re unsure. These first two months have shown me the strength it takes to be the “first”—the first to study abroad, live independently and embrace a new world.

For anyone with dreams that feel distant, the first step is the hardest. It’s filled with questions, but if you push through the unknown, you’ll discover a stronger version of yourself. My journey is just beginning, and I’m finding that the courage to keep moving forward is the truest form of strength. I am excited to update you with my journey in the coming months. 

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