Prize-winning scholar graduates from ARU after realising dream of studying in UK
A prize-winning headteacher is aiming to make a difference to education in her home country of Mexico after graduating from Anglia Ruskin University (ARU).
Lourdes Orozco was working as a headteacher at a public school in Arandas, a city to the east of Guadalajara, before receiving a GREAT scholarship, an initiative from the British Council for international students, to study at ARU to increase her skills.
Although both Lourdes' parents are teachers, she herself discovered her passion for teaching by accident. Having earned her undergraduate degree in Nutrition, she was persuaded to change career following a short spell as a substitute teacher in a secondary school.
Lourdes recently received the Amalia González Caballero prize, awarded by the Society of Mexican Students in the UK for excellence and leadership among female students, and has met on several occasions with Josefa González Blanco, the Mexican ambassador to the UK, to discuss education in her home country.
Lourdes graduated with distinction from her MA in Education with Leadership and Management during a ceremony at Chelmsford Cathedral, and gave the Vote of Thanks speech to her peers at the end of the event. Lourdes said:
"The Ambassador is very active, she likes to get together with the community. We had a chat about education in Mexico and we had a good connection since then I have met her three or four times now.
"Studying in the UK was one of my dreams, and I chose ARU because I really like the modules and the way they cover different elements. It was difficult in the beginning because it is another language and you have to write academically, but it was a good choice.
"The main difference between studying here and at home is the multiculturalism – I live in a small city where most of us know each other, but in Chelmsford I could hear different languages and learn about a variety of cultures. Also there are lots of social activities available in which I had the chance to meet wonderful people with different ways of thinking.
"I have been fortunate enough to have visited two secondary schools and talked with some members of the staff. Hopefully, I will be able to volunteer in one of these before returning to Mexico.
"My experience as an international student at ARU has been amazing. I represented my country, travelled, and learned from others. I enjoyed being part of a community in which every aspect of students' life is supported."
Lourdes is now gaining further experience, assisting academic staff at ARU, before she returns to her role in Mexico.
