I still vividly recall my first day in France, a blend of excitement and fear that enveloped me the moment I stepped onto the cobblestone streets of Paris. Leaving my family and Cuba to pursue my doctoral studies was a tough decision, but I was driven by the desire to make my mother’s and my own dream a reality – to become the first person in my family to earn a PhD.
Deciding to pursue research abroad required a leap of faith. My first spark of belief came in December 2014 when I received the acceptance email for my first scientific article, published in the Journal of Chemical Education (JCE) (10.1021/ed500575p). As a Master’s student, I had devised a simpler approach to understand a complex NMR experiment. Motivated to help other students struggling with the subject, the educational focus of JCE made it a natural choice as our target journal. Publishing in JCE was the first milestone in my international career, making me believe in what I could accomplish.
As a Latinx woman, embarking on a scientific career in the Global North has been both a personal and professional journey marked by a mix of profound challenges and remarkable opportunities. This odyssey, replete with its highs and lows, encapsulates the essence of pursuing scientific excellence away from the comfort of one’s home and the embrace of one’s culture. For many of us who have traversed this path, it is a tale of resilience and adaptability. However, the transition is far from seamless.
In Latinx culture, family is one of our main cornerstones, providing unwavering support and a sense of belonging. Being miles away from this support system means grappling with homesickness. I have celebrated birthdays and other special occasions through video calls. I have experienced the heartache of grieving alone when a family member dies. Celebrating milestones and mourning losses from afar underscore the emotional toll of pursuing a career abroad.
Often, the full extent of the struggles faced by those from nonwealthy countries remains unknown. One of my relentless driving motives has been to help my family financially. Such responsibility adds another layer of pressure, as I strive to succeed not just for myself, but for the betterment of my loved ones back home. Another significant challenge is the invisible burden of visa applications. Researchers from countries without passport privileges face a labyrinth of bureaucratic hurdles that can delay or even derail career plans. The anxiety of uncertain visa outcomes, coupled with the constant need to renew or change migratory status, adds a layer of stress on top of academic challenges and serves as a constant reminder of our tenuous, vulnerable position.
Language barriers add another tier of complexity. While many of us are proficient in English, the nuances of everyday communication can sometimes lead to feelings of inadequacy or isolation. This linguistic difficulty, however, becomes a powerful motivator to learn the local language and culture, fostering a deep sense of accomplishment and enhancing our ability to engage in the community.
Despite these challenges, the opportunities for growth are plenteous. The exposure to diverse perspectives and cutting-edge research in the Global North fosters intellectual development and broadens our scientific horizons. We gain access to resources that are not available in our home countries, allowing us to push the boundaries of knowledge and contribute significantly to our fields. These experiences not only enhance our professional skills but also enrich our personal lives, giving us the opportunity to meet people from around the world and teaching us adaptability, perseverance, and cultural sensitivity.
This pathway also carries an important responsibility: we become ambassadors of our culture and heritage. Our presence challenges stereotypes and paves the way for future generations of Latinx women scientists. We become role models, proving that it is possible to succeed and thrive in a foreign academic environment while staying true to our roots. Representation matters. Seeing others like us in prestigious positions provides not only inspiration but also a tangible sense of possibility. As we navigate our journeys, it is crucial to remember that we are not alone. Our struggles, failures and successes resonate with many others who share our background and aspirations. By staying connected to our origins and embracing the opportunities before us, we create a legacy of excellence and perseverance that transcends human-drawn borders. Borders that should be nonexistent in science.
My artwork illustrates the journey of a real Latina scientist overseas, as a testament to the strength of our inheritance and the endless possibilities that lie ahead. It is a narrative of overcoming challenges and cumulative barriers, embracing growth, and proudly representing our roots in the global scientific community.
It is a depiction of the journey of many Latin American women in science abroad. It is my journey.