Monica Morales was encouraged to dream bigger from an early age. Growing up in Colombia, she heard from her parents that there were better opportunities abroad — and they made sure she was prepared for them. She learned English and was inspired by family members who had already left the country to pursue a life internationally.When the time came, Monica decided that studying abroad would be her path. She did her research, improved her English, worked on her applications — and eventually landed in Manchester, in the UK, where she built her life on her own terms.But, of course, not everything was perfect along the way.In this episode, we talk about the emotional reality of migration — the loneliness that shows up in unexpected ways, and the distance from family that never really gets easier… it just changes.Monica also shares how she learned to face her fears instead of fighting them, and how living abroad pushed her to develop resilience, flexibility, and a completely new relationship with uncertainty.We also talk about identity, culture, and what it means to hold on to your roots while building a life somewhere new.Connect with Monica:Substack - EnglishSubstack - SpanishWhy the name “Transplants”?I've always loved the meaning this word can have. To be a transplant is to carry one life while learning to live another._______________________________________Connect with Transplants:Follow on IG https://www.instagram.com/transplants.podSubstack/newsletter - https://wearetransplants.substack.com/Laura's IG https://www.instagram.com/laura_peruchiFollow on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@wearetransplantsQuestions, suggestions, or random thoughts you’d like to share? Or maybe you’d like to pitch yourself for the podcast or suggest a guest? Send me an email at [email protected].

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