Chevening journey update
Photo : Angelica Salele Sefo
Written By : Angelica Salele Sefo
It's been nineteen days to the hour since I left home, my family, and everything I know. In that time, I've had to abandon so much of what I thought I knew about myself and the world, to make room for some Earth shattering new lessons.
The first being the incredible and profound understanding that, actually I am completely and utterly alone on this side of the world. That upon my arrival, in the whole of Wales at least, I knew nobody, and nobody knew of me. It truly felt like the only things tethering me to Earth were my family, and God. A sobering, comforting, and distressing thought all at the same time lol.
It is surreal to imagine that a year ago I had just put in my application for a Chevening scholarship, and Brandon and I were at the start of what would end up being a long and emotional process of debate on what it might mean for us and our children.
For me, I couldn't give up the dream of bringing my family over to the UK with me. For Brandon, it was convincing me that not only was that the most irresponsible thing for us to do considering we had a home (our pets!), a business, obligations and family responsibilities to think about. Not to mention the financial cost of moving everyone over just for a year, and then packing up to move back just as the kids have settled into life outside of Samoa. The con's were endless, and in the end, outweighed my selfish desire to bring my family with me.
But now that I'm here, after everything it took to get here and settle into university life - I know we made the right decision for our family. As much as I miss my husband and our kids, my parents and family, and as hard as it is falling asleep alone in my tiny university hall bedroom, or seeing my friends make plans and have fun without me. As hard as it has been to put myself out there to make new friends in a new country, where my sei sticks out like a neon sign. As hard as everything has been, I know a year from now it will have all been worth it.
If you're thinking about furthering your education, I would encourage you to apply for a scholarship - be it the Chevening UK Scholarships, or any other amazing opportunities afforded to Samoan citizens. The financial implications of having to pay for your degree, to take out a loan, could set you back years financially.
And even if you have doubts about getting a scholarship, just think - what is the worst they can do? Say no? Honestly, from this side, that is a risk I am telling you to take. You have nothing to lose! There's never going to be a right time. The right time is always now. So much of this journey for me has been learning how to trust in the process, and above all, to trust in God's plans for me and my family.
So incredibly grateful that I went with my gut feeling and chose Swansea University, despite it not being in UK's top 20 universities. Every day since I arrived has solidified why sometimes, gut feelings and intuition are God's way of guiding us, if we only take the time to listen out for Him.
From the people I have met, to my flatmates, my lecturers and assigned mentor, and my whole course. Everything has just fallen into place, like God was just moving through my life. Even Brandon and the kids are doing well and thriving without me. I hate to sound so optimistic and positive about everything, but it's like, I can finally sigh in relief knowing that I'm ready, we're ready, for all that is yet to come.
Walking home today in the rain, after a great first day of lectures, despite being 19 readings behind already. I cannot escape this feeling of immense gratitude and love, and I just had to share it.
I hope this inspires anyone, be it a mum or dad, single parent, or just someone looking to better themselves - to take the leap and dare to go after your dreams. God will move mountains for you, if only you would let him.
Angelica Salele Sefo with family members.
Photo : Angelica Salele Sefo