Let’s face it, the information cycle is a reasonably gloomy place in the meanwhile, so we’ve determined to take a special perspective. That is our try to seek out our happie place (discover the pun we’ve acquired going right here?).
This common column goals to deliver you optimistic information, flashes of inspiration and a heat, fuzzy feeling that may nourish your soul. We need to rejoice worldwide scholar success and colleagues who go above and past. Get entangled and ship us the great things so we will share the love.
We recognise that on this unpredictable market, actual challenges exist – and that that is nothing greater than a sticking plaster – however typically there’s energy in on the lookout for the positives.
I used to be born in Lagos, however I used to be made in Swansea
Michael Ijaiyemakinde, worldwide scholar
This week, we determined to examine in with among the worldwide graduates we’ve met within the UK through the years to see how they’re getting on.
These tales are a easy reminder of why we imagine within the transformational energy of examine overseas and the ability to vary particular person lives (together with our personal).
Franka Zlatic – Finding out overseas reinvigorated my worldview
“Spending six years learning within the UK profoundly formed my tutorial and private growth.
“Immersed in a various, intellectually stimulating surroundings, I gained each theoretical grounding and the arrogance to pursue impartial analysis. Dwelling overseas additionally allowed me to journey extensively throughout Europe and past, which broadened my horizons in methods I hadn’t anticipated.
“I met folks from all walks of life, encountered totally different worldviews, and had the time of my life – experiences which have deeply influenced how I relate to others and method my work. Later, working at a regulation college in India additional deepened my understanding of migration, id, and postcolonial dynamics – subjects central to my tutorial focus.
“Participating with college students and students in a culturally totally different but intellectually wealthy context challenged me to adapt, replicate, and develop. Each experiences, tutorial rigour within the UK and sensible, cross-cultural engagement in India, geared up me with a novel mixture of analytical perception, world perspective, and resilience.
“Returning to my residence nation, Croatia, I introduced again not solely data but in addition a way of goal and a need to contribute to native tutorial debates with a broader, transnational understanding.
“These worldwide experiences positioned me competitively for a postdoctoral position in Croatia and reaffirmed my dedication to inclusive, globally engaged scholarship.”
Michael Ijaiyemakinde – learning in Wales was the making of me
“I used to be born in Lagos, however I used to be made in Swansea.
“Each time I say this, I get the identical response – raised eyebrows, shocked expressions, and typically even pushback: you’re not patriotic.
“However right here’s what I actually imply. Rising up in Nigeria, life was fast-paced, pushed by outcomes, and sometimes outlined by expectations. Whereas it gave me resilience, it didn’t communicate my love languages or give me the area to seek out myself. I used to be all the time doing – however hardly ever being.
“At 17, I moved to review at Swansea College in Wales. Swansea’s a small metropolis, usually neglected. However for me? It grew to become a sanctuary. It was in Swansea that I skilled assist that wasn’t transactional. I met managers, mentors, and on a regular basis individuals who lived out values like empathy, service, and endurance – folks identical to you who’re studying this now.
“You didn’t simply train me – you confirmed me. By kindness. By consistency.
“You helped me shed mood points, rebuild my shallowness, and rediscover my voice. Swansea didn’t change who I used to be. It merely gave me permission to change into it.
“What optimistic message am I attempting to cross on right here? What ideas to assist my colleagues keep optimistic in troublesome instances?
“The fitting surroundings can change all the things: not as a result of the place you’re from is unhealthy – however as a result of typically you want a brand new setting to unlock the following chapter of your development.
“Is the present surroundings you’re in serving to you change into the perfect model of your self? Or is it holding you again from discovering who that model actually is?
“If not, perhaps it’s time to seek out your Swansea.”
Filip-Matej Pfeifer
Born in Slovenia, Filip attended the College of Ljubljana College of Sport, then transferred to the UK in September 2024 to pursue his grasp’s diploma and proceed his rowing profession.
This summer time he won’t solely graduate along with his diploma in worldwide enterprise from Oxford Brookes College (OBU) – he will even compete on the world-famous Henley Royal Regatta in July.
Filip represented OBU on the 2025 BUCS Regatta the place he took the silver medal within the males’s Single Sculls, setting a brand new rowing report for his UK college workforce and has competed internationally in each the European Rowing Championships and the World Rowing Cup.
On Could 30, he reached the semi-finals of the Single Sculls on the 2025 European Rowing Championships in Bulgaria.
Enormous due to the Scholar Sports activities Firm for protecting us on top of things with Filip’s achievements as a global scholar athlete within the UK. We’re all cheering him on!
Have you ever acquired some optimistic information to share?
Assist us to showcase the perfect of worldwide schooling by sending us your testimonials, love letters and inspirational ideas to editorial@thepienews.com labelled ‘Happie place’. And bear in mind – good vibes solely.
