Blog by Elena
Hello, and welcome!
If you have come across this post, there is a good chance you are wondering who I am and why I am here. Let me introduce myself: my name is Elena Mendez, a final year student of International Relations at the University of Edinburgh, a basketball enthusiast, and someone who’s been navigating life across borders since the age of 13.
A Little About Me
I initially grew up in Spain but moved to France by myself as a teenager, where I attended a boarding school Monday to Friday and spent weekends with a host family. It was an experience that challenged me but also shaped me into the ambitious and self-driven person I am today. My journey since then has taken me across multiple countries and continents, instilling in me a love for traveling, meeting new people, and learning from different cultures.
In Edinburgh, you’ll often find me balancing a busy schedule that includes playing basketball, practicing yoga, volunteering, and working as a student ambassador for the university. I am also proud to be on the Board of trustees for the Edinburgh University Students’ Association, where I try to improve the student experience. When I need a break, my go-to ritual is grabbing a hot chocolate from Uplands Roast and taking a stroll through The Meadows or around Arthur’s Seat.
My Academic Life
What I love most about my degree is the flexibility. International Relations allows me to delve into topics that I am passionate about, from energy and sustainability to geopolitics and environmental challenges. Right now, I am fully immersed in my dissertation on Spain’s role in European energy security – as you can tell from my background and interests, it holds a place close to my heart. It has been fascinating to learn more about my country and explore solutions to global sustainability issues.
I am extremely organized, which is key to juggling my academic, social, and extracurricular commitments. My diary is my secret weapon, which helps me plan my days so I can make time for everything in my day-to-day life. It’s all about finding balance and staying on top of things.
What to Expect from My Blogs
Through my blogs, I hope to share my experiences as an international student and provide tips and insights for making the most of university life. Whether you are a first year trying to settle in, a final-year student working on your dissertation, or somewhere in between, my goal is to post blogs that are relatable, useful, and maybe even a little entertaining. I’ll be covering a wide variety of topics, and I want this space to be a resource and a source of connection for anyone navigating the highs and lows of university life.
I look forward to taking you on this journey with me, and I hope to see you back here soon for more stories and tips!
