Advice for Chevening applicants: Believe in yourself and the Chevening dream

Believe in being #ChosenForChevening

For the last six years, at the end of every December, I have created a vision board – a collage of images and words to motivate and inspire me. Ever since 2020, Chevening has been on those boards. 

At the end of 2023, after gaining sufficient work experience and honing my skills, I felt I was ready to apply!

To the 18-year-old me hearing about Chevening for the first time, daring to dream of a better future for herself, her family, and her community, I want to say ‘Hey! It’s 26-year-old you. We made it!’.

Will you be next? If the answer is yes, read on to find out more about what you can expect from your year in the UK.

Embracing the UK weather

Winter in the UK can be cold and wet, but its also holiday season and an opportunity to embrace UK traditions and spend time with your new Chevening family.  

During the holiday break I tried afternoon tea, built gingerbread houses, went to Winter Wonderland and tried ice skating for the first time (if, by ice skating, you mean not letting go of the side!).  I tried mince pies and drank delicious hot chocolates in cosy Christmas markets.  

With fellow scholars from over six countries, we drank, ate, and had so much fun! I felt like I was in the film Love Actually! 

Volunteering in the UK 

As well as embracing UK culture and making new friends, there are also plenty of opportunities to volunteer while studying in the UK with Chevening. 

I’m volunteering for Center 404, a charity that supports people with learning disabilities and their families.

It’s been a great way to meet fellow Chevening scholars, members of the community, and settle into life in the UK. I now feel like I don’t just live in the UK, but that London is my home away from home. I recommend making the most of all the opportunities available.

Trust the process, and yourself!

My advice to others is to be kinder to yourself, try to be present in the moment, travel, make new friends, and never stop learning.

I want to take my own advice and learn how to swim this year (I can only float, and that will not take me places!), and get back on stage to sing, one of the things I love and miss the most. 

I intend to make the most out of my master’s in the UK so that I can achieve my goals and influence policy making in Mexico when I return home.

To my Chevening community, trust the process, trust yourself, and allow yourself to enjoy the journey! 

Follow Jaqueline’s journey as a Chevening Social Media Ambassador.