Maria Castano's story
Maria Castano's story
Securing a postgraduate scholarship opened the doors to my master's in Integrative Counselling and Coaching, which kicked off last September. Born in Colombia, I made the move to England at the age of nine, a decision tinged with uncertainty as I joined my mother and brother, unsure at the time as to whether this would be a short-term or long-term chapter of my life.
The cultural transition was palpable. Colombia's warmth and friendliness stood in contrast to the English stereotypes I encountered. Fortunately, South London provided a diverse and supportive community where Ghanaians, Nigerians, Caribbean and other immigrants shared common struggles. Navigating this diversity was both challenging and enriching.
At the age of 9, linguistic barriers compounded the difficulty of understanding such significant changes. Gratefully, my older brother became a stabilising force in this unfamiliar world, where I grappled with a sense of neither belonging to Colombian heritage nor feeling wholly British. Looking back now, this identity crisis has helped me to understand the complexity of human identity.
Reflecting on my journey, I pursued my undergraduate degree in psychology, delving into diverse sectors such as substance misuse, mental health, and homelessness over the past 15 years. Currently, I am working as a team manager at a charity, addressing the mental health challenges faced by young individuals, especially in the wake of the pandemic.
Counselling became my main interest, leading me to explore various therapeutic models such as art therapy, psychodynamic, humanistic counselling, and currently, integrative counselling. Looking ahead, I aspire to make therapy accessible to all, contemplating roles within the NHS, private practice or a combination of the two. The passion for affordability in mental health support remains a driving force.
I owe a debt of gratitude to the University of East London for the postgraduate scholarship. UEL not only provided an enriching educational experience but also exposed me to a remarkably diverse community. As a Hispanic woman with mixed heritage, witnessing this diversity on the course was truly eye-opening. I wasn't the only person of colour in the room.
Receiving this scholarship is a privilege as I acknowledge the importance of accessible postgraduate education. In a field where qualifications are crucial due to the profound impact on people's lives, UEL's support is invaluable. This journey is not just a personal one; it's a commitment to promoting mental health accessibility and positive change within communities.
