DC Diaries #2 - Jordy Lerma
Welcome to the SYNSENSO DC Diaries. In this series of blog posts, we share our experiences as Doctoral Candidates in the SYNSENSO networks – highlights, challenges, secondments, and what makes us tick outside of research. Enjoy!
Have you ever dreamt of taking your academic journey to a whole new world? Earning a PhD is a challenging but rewarding experience, and doing it on another continent can elevate that challenge to an exciting adventure!
Hi everyone, I’m Jordy Alexis Lerma Escalera. Two years ago, I traded the familiar streets of Monterrey, Mexico, for the cobblestones of Rome to pursue my PhD as part of the SYNSENSO DN.
While the excitement of a new city and groundbreaking research is undeniable, the decision isn’t always straightforward. In this blog post, I’ll delve into my own story. I’ll share the thought process behind my decision to leap across the Atlantic, the whirlwind of emotions I experienced during those first days in Rome, and how this incredible journey has transformed my life.
“Are you sure that you want to study for a PhD degree far from home?” was the question I heard most in the days before taking my flight to Rome. It’s a complicated question. Who would be sure about moving to the other side of the world? There were too many things to consider. On one side, it meant being far from my family, my friends, my pets, and the city where I was born and love. However, it also meant the possibility of continuing to study what I love, growing as a person and scientist, and preparing for my dream job. So, without being 100% sure, I always answered “yes,” and I took a flight to my new life.
Embracing a New Life in Rome
The journey from Monterrey to Rome was long and emotional. It began with a short flight to Mexico City for my last Mexican tacos, then a connection in Amsterdam, where I slept at the airport for the first time, before finally reaching Rome, my home for the next three years. Rome impresses from the moment you arrive: the smell of coffee, art in the airport, and a language you don’t know. The first days were chaotic yet exciting, filled with bureaucratic stress offset by the sight of the Colosseum, now part of my routine. My first day in the laboratory was thrilling, seeing the hall decorated with papers I had read in preparation for my interview, dreaming that one day my work would be there. Meeting new lab mates and exploring their favourite pizza place felt like an adventure.
As the initial excitement waned and I began to miss tacos, I faced the need to establish a new routine. Living as a tourist on pizza and pasta for three years wasn’t sustainable. Establishing a routine in the laboratory was straightforward: I dedicated Fridays to analysing data from the week and planning upcoming experiments. However, personal life posed a greater challenge. Living alone and maintaining tidiness required new habits, guided by Google, tutorials, and mum’s tips. Not all these habits stuck, and I’m still building this new life, but day by day, Rome feels more like home.
Moving to a new city involves adapting to new traditions and perspectives without forgetting your own roots. Staying connected with family, friends, and my identity was crucial during tough times, reminding me that I’m here because of my ability to face challenges. Embracing the challenges and opportunities of studying abroad has been an incredible journey, one that continues to shape me daily. Here’s to all the adventures yet to come!
