Mexico City based architect Paulina tells us a little about her life in Mexico, and what she's found most exciting about coming to London.
Tell us a little bit about yourself
I was born and raised in Mexico, in a small town called Cordoba. Even though it is a small town, it’s the place where the agreement to put an end to the Mexican war of Independence was signed.
What brought you to London Met?
Since I was very young, I awoke a passion for London, from the music my dad used to play, from the movies, I feel like in another life I lived here. I spent many years looking for a postgraduate course that suited me better with my bachelor's degree and I found Design for Cultural Commons as this course.
What does studying at London Met mean to you?
I feel I am living a dream, a challenging one because I have to work remotely with the Mexico time schedule, balancing life-work-studies but life is good, I am learning a lot from this whole experience, I believe in myself so I can do it.
Tell us about your current role if you’re working now.
I am an architect specialising in interior design. Currently I'm working for an architectural firm based in Mexico City, with a lot of experience developing projects mainly for corporates. Basically, it’s a pioneer firm in the field in Mexico, with very interesting people I am working along with, inspiring me all the time.
What is your biggest passion in life and where did that passion come from?
My biggest passion is this one. I love living in London, as I said in my other life I lived here. Studying and living here is something I cannot describe. I see inspiration everywhere I go in London, even if it is just a little time. Hopefully someday I could stay longer and gain experience working here.
What drives you?
Doing what I like to do. Working doing architecture is something that I love to do, and even more if I do it in London haha. But besides that, I am always trying my best to be a better person every day, doing small things but I believe if everyone does a bit of it, this world can be better. I love animals and my family and I are always helping street animals. We own 12 cats and are always helping animals.
What’s the proudest moment in your life?
Fortunately I’ve had many moments I feel proud about, but having being accepted at London Metropolitan University is definitely one of them.
What’s next in your career?
To graduate from my certification, and then bringing my project to reality.
Do you have any advice for anyone else considering studying at London Met?
Don’t think twice, just do it. The University is very well located. I have been to London before but I wasn't familiar with a lot with this borough, so now I like to explore the area before my study time. The staff of London Met are always supportive – there is a great team here.
How are the other students and the teaching staff on the course?
From day one, the other students extended me their help in fields they are more experienced with to help me to develop my project better. They were always very friendly and Torange is just great!!
How has Covid affected your study / work / life?
At the beginning maybe it did, but I like to see the bright side of every situation and the pandemic came to break the routine, to learn and unlearn, to create yourself again in many aspects of your life, so I am here.
What surprised you about London Met?
For about 10 years I hadn’t stepped into a University, I was a little afraid of coming back to study, but it quickly started feeling like home, like a place I knew, so I am very comfortable at London Met.
If you could sum up your experience at London Met in one word, what would it be?
Fantastic!
What’s your favourite place in London and why?
I have many, but Big Ben is my favourite landmark so far. I remember the day we met (haha), I was simply amazed because I used to see it in movies, internet, tv but not in real life. I may sound silly, but I also enjoyed the uber trip from Heathrow to my place in London. I arrived late, so the street lights and the weather the day I arrived, helped a lot to make this moment just memorable.
"Big Ben is my favourite landmark so far. I remember the day we met (haha), I was simply amazed because I used to see it in movies, internet, tv but not in real life."