First Semester Recap: Lessons Learned Along the Way

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 As my first semester ends, I can’t help but reflect on the challenges, rewards, and personal growth I’ve experienced during these past months. The excitement of beginning a new chapter in a different country was accompanied by the nervousness of navigating life in a language I am not yet fluent in—an unfamiliar situation compared to my previous international experiences. And, of course, the most significant challenge: diving into a field of study that, while connected to my humanitarian aid work, is still largely new territory for me.

Memories of the first semester

This journey has been a mix of highs and lows—homesickness, getting sick (and discovering the joys of German pharmacies), the winter blues, and the pressure of exams. Yet, between those moments, there were incredible experiences: creating new memories, establishing daily routines like commuting to university, spending weekends exploring Nuremberg, and finally calling Erlangen-Bruck my home. Looking back, I can’t help but feel a mix of nostalgia and gratitude while writing this.

Academically, this semester has been enriching. I’ve deepened my understanding of human rights systems in both the Americas and Europe, and I’m eager to explore new subjects in the upcoming semester. The Inter-American system, in particular, has caught my interest, along with a topic I’ve engaged with through the Business & Human Rights Clinic—yes, as the name suggests, business and human rights. This area has become even more relevant to me, and I’m looking forward to delving deeper into it.

Beyond academics, this experience has been a lesson in adaptation. I’ve learned to navigate cultural differences and language barriers, gaining a new perspective on how people think and interact here. This has, in a way, made me a more efficient person in certain aspects. Yet, despite the changes, my core remains the same. More than ever, I appreciate and embrace the warmth and richness of my Latin American roots.

Ultimately, this post serves as a testimony to my first semester—a reminder that I have already achieved part of the goal I set out on this journey to accomplish: pursuing my Master’s in Human Rights. And as I look ahead, I feel excited for what’s to come.


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