Natalia

9 min read

I am currently studying Communication and Digital Media at IE University. I am fascinated by the idea of sharing ideas with the world and exploring how each person experiences life in unique ways. Through my courses, I’ve discovered how communication allows us to understand different perspectives. Classes like Photography have taught me that a single moment can be seen in countless ways, depending on who is looking at it, which I find incredibly inspiring. I also enjoy expressing my creativity through courses like Graphic Design, where we create digital projects ranging from board games to icons and other visual pieces.

Beyond creativity, my studies encourage introspection and analysis of people and society. In courses such as Globalization, Communication Foundations, Writing for Media, and Writing Skills, we practice writing essays and journalistic pieces. One memorable project had us interviewing people on the streets to collect real opinions, which we then turned into essays, an experience I really liked. All of my classes have been very exciting, and I am extremely grateful for the Foundation’s support, which has made it possible for me to pursue these studies and take advantage of all the new opportunities that I get to have.

My Flight plan

In flight - my Blog

September 2025

This first month at university has been one of the most amazing months of my life. It is my first time studying in this program, and I can already say that I love my career. All my classes, projects, and assignments have been so interesting, and they make me feel excited to learn more every day.

For example, one of my favorite projects was going out into the streets to interview people about different topics and then writing a magazine article with their answers. In Graphic Design class, we created a skyline design with a special concept, and I chose Mexico to represent my country. I enjoyed it a lot because I could use my creativity and feel proud of where I come from. I have also been writing essays that help me think critically and explore my ideas.

Besides classes, I joined many student clubs, almost seven. In the Photo Club, we went to the lab to practice with professional cameras, and I learned how to use them in different ways. The university even lets us borrow cameras for the weekend, which is really exciting. I also joined the Outdoors Club, Culinary Club, Mexico Club, and the Art Club. Next week, the Mexico Club will have an event, and I am happy because I think I will meet more Mexicans here. The Art Club has also been very fun, with painting events that allow us to explore our creativity.

Life at the university is wonderful. The campus is beautiful, and I love walking through the streets of Segovia and enjoying the view. I also have the chance to travel to other cities like Madrid, and soon I will visit Salamanca.

I feel very grateful for everything I am living right now. I am really enjoying this experience, and I am very excited for what is coming next.

June 2025

This June marks a special moment in my life as I officially graduate from high school and prepare to begin a new chapter at IE University in Spain. While I’m incredibly excited and grateful for the opportunity ahead, it’s also emotional to leave behind my classmates, teachers, and the unforgettable memories we created together. Monarch’s graduation was especially meaningful, as it allowed me to connect deeply with others and reflect on how much we’ve all grown. Though I’ll miss everyone from the foundation, I’m thrilled for what the future holds, for myself and for all of us. I’m ready to embrace the challenges, growth, and adventure that university life will bring.

October 2025

This October has been a month full of new experiences and unexpected lessons. There have been ups and downs, challenges and moments of calm, and I feel like I’ve grown a lot, not just academically but also personally. I’ve learned to manage my own expenses and money more efficiently, to organize myself better, and even to make delicious recipes I never imagined I could.

With midterms and projects piling up, and trying to adapt to this new life, sometimes everything feels a bit overwhelming. But this month I learned to manage my emotions and focus on enjoying what I do, instead of just worrying about finishing everything.

In my graphic design classes, for example, we had to create icons based on a concept, and we chose a festival: the CMA Country Music Festival in Nashville. Learning to use Illustrator was frustrating at times, but I realized that patience brings the best results. We are also designing a board game, a project that requires creativity and patience, and I love it because it allows me to think outside the box and have fun with my imagination.

In photography, I learned how to take portraits and use the camera in new ways. In my communication class, even though it’s more theory-based, I love it because it shows us how people used to communicate and how communication has slowly evolved over time. This has motivated me to participate more, speak my mind, and open myself up to new debates.

Some days I take long walks alone, which have become my little breaks from reality. These moments are really beautiful: walking surrounded by nature without a set destination, letting my intuition guide me, and reflecting on life. The views I see are incredible, and definitely some of the best I’ve seen since Los Cabos. These moments help me clear my mind, reconnect with myself, and take a break from everything I have to do. I feel like I’ve grown so much because, being on the other side of the world, I have to deal with many responsibilities. Now, as an adult, I have to go from office to office to sign, submit, or receive documents. Even though it’s sometimes tiring, I feel proud to be making progress and gradually finishing everything.

This month, I also participated in events from different clubs that helped me expand my creativity: I took courses to make steel bracelets, attended talks at the IE Wellness Club, photography classes at the Mirador de Alcalá thanks to the Photo Club, and art classes. All these activities allowed me to explore new ideas, learn different things, and have fun while growing in what I’m passionate about.

In summary, October taught me that even when there are difficult moments, there are always opportunities to learn and enjoy life. I learned to stay focused, stay positive, manage my money more efficiently, enjoy cooking, and make the most out of every project and experience.

November 2025
This November was full of projects, activities, and experiences that helped me grow both academically and personally. It was a very active month, but the kind that leaves you feeling fulfilled because you know you’re putting in the effort and truly taking advantage of every opportunity. In my classes I worked on infographics for Graphic Design, stories and interviews for Communication Foundations, and even some poems that helped me organize my thoughts and express what I was feeling in a creative way. All of this made me realize how much I’m learning and how much I enjoy my classes.

Besides the academic projects, I had some very special moments outside the classroom that also taught me a lot. I visited my friends in Valencia, which honestly was one of the highlights of my month. Most of us were able to meet, and it was such a happy moment because it had been a while since we had all been together. Reconnecting with them, meeting their friends, and feeling that support, even though it is a little far away, it means a lot. This also reminded me of how valuable the new friendships I’ve made this semester are, and how much they’ve supported me.

One of the most meaningful moments this month was our class Thanksgiving Dinner. It was super fun and, more importantly, very connecting. It was amazing to hear what everyone wants to study in the future and to realize that, even though we come from different backgrounds, we’re all headed in the same direction. I love that there are many girls in my major and even though there are only a few boys, the environment feels very warm and comforting. We’re a really close group, and that makes the whole experience even more special. Everyone is genuinely passionate about what they’re studying, and being surrounded by people like that motivates you to grow, to put in the effort, and to learn with intention.

I also had the chance to go on a school surf trip to Galicia, which was such an amazing experience. I went with my friends but also met students from second, third year and also Alumni from IE. I loved hearing their perspectives, their advice, and their stories about their university experience and everything they’ve learned along the way. It helped me understand that we all go through similar processes and that every experience teaches you something.

Overall, November went by incredibly fast, but it left me with important lessons, stronger friendships, and the feeling that I am exactly where I’m supposed to be. I’ve worked hard on my projects, made the most of every moment, and I’m truly grateful for the support of the foundation, which has been essential for me to experience all of this. I know the next few weeks will be intense, but I also know I have the tools, the support, and the motivation to face everything with calmness and a desire to keep learning.


January 2026

From the beach to the snow.

I arrived in January in Segovia, and honestly, the change was huge. Going from the beach to the cold snow was exciting but freezing. Seeing the snow fall, walking through it, and living in such a different environment has been an amazing experience. It’s still very cold and still snowing, but I’ve already gotten used to it, and now I see it as something very special, something I never got to experience back home in Cabo.

Along with this big change, I started my second semester, and thanks to the break I had before coming back, I returned with so much more motivation. I felt more energized and more motivated to push myself and do my best this semester. I’m taking classes that I genuinely enjoy. One of them is my Fashion History elective, which I love because I get to see how people dressed many years ago, understand why fashion was the way it was, and how it was influenced by history and culture. It’s a really interesting class with creative projects.

I’m also taking Video Production, a class I truly love because filming and editing videos is something I’m very passionate about. It was one of the main reasons why I chose this career path, so learning more about it motivates me even more.

On a personal level, I feel like I’ve grown a lot. I’ve learned how to organize myself better, create routines, and even cook better. Before, I would just eat whatever I found, but now I feel more focused, motivated, and determined to make the most out of this semester.

December 2025
This December was more than just a break from school. It was a time for me to slow down and really realize how much I’ve grown, how hard I’ve worked, and also how much I’ve missed.

The last week of classes was honestly the hardest week I’ve experienced. There were days with almost no sleep and long hours spent studying in the library. It was exhausting, but it taught me that nothing meaningful comes without sacrifice, and that all the effort is worth it in the end.

Going back home and being with my family was one of the happiest moments of the month. I realized how much I missed my home, my dogs, my bed, and my friends. Being back reminded me how important that support system is for me.

During this month, I also worked on my winter project, which focused on doing acts of kindness for others. Even though this project was for the foundation, it became something really personal. It helped me realize how powerful small actions can be, and how something as simple as a smile can truly change someone’s day.

This project became one of my goals for the year and something I want to continue doing. It helped me grow not just as a student, but also as a person.

Overall, this December taught me a lot about effort, gratitude, and kindness, and I’m really thankful to the foundation for encouraging projects that help us grow both academically and personally.