Expanding Perspectives with Laura Patricia Morales Ortega

Laura Patricia Morales Ortega, a 20-year-old student from Mexico, is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in engineering with a specialization in animation and visual effects (VFX) at Universidad Politecnica Santa Rosa Jauregui. Her academic journey has recently led her to Canada, thanks to a prestigious government scholarship from Queretaro known as “Beca Embajadores de Queretaro” in connection with Fanshawe Global. Laura’s successful application, which included academic papers and sample work, earned her a place in this esteemed program designed to allow students to study abroad, acquire valuable knowledge, and apply it toward the development of their home country.

She is currently enrolled in a two-week intensive 3D animation program in Canada, in which she is creating a short film that encompasses all stages of production from pre-production to post-production. This is Laura’s first experience travelling outside Mexico, not just as a professional milestone, but also as a personal one. As a result of the cultural shift, she has experienced both fascination and overwhelming feelings. She is particularly impressed by Canadian kindness, a quality she attributes to cultural differences. Her initial days in Canada have been a mixture of excitement and exhaustion, including the novelty of flying for the first time. She is still adjusting to the late sunsets and the widespread use of air conditioning.

She has been fortunate to interact with individuals from Brazil, Kazakhstan, Japan, and other nations, which has enabled her to gain a deeper understanding of global cultures through the multicultural environment in Canada. The Canadian government has also impressed her with its commitment to accessibility and environmental sustainability, which she notes are less developed in Mexico. Among the positive aspects of the country’s approach to separating trash and promoting inclusivity, she finds the method refreshing and progressive.

Canada’s advanced technology is of great advantage to her. Her home country does not have the same access to large Wacom graphic tablets and high-end computer setups as Canada does, particularly at her government-funded university. As Laura works mainly using a small laptop and a basic graphic tablet in Mexico, the sophisticated equipment in Canada represents a significant upgrade from the equipment used in Mexico. Even though she uses similar software, she is discovering new techniques and features that she was unaware of previously.

The difficulty of communicating with native speakers in Canada has been one of Laura’s challenges. Although she has practiced English with classmates and teachers in Mexico, she has encountered difficulties in communicating with native speakers. Although she occasionally finds it difficult to express herself, she appreciates the patience and politeness of those around her, which has made her adapting easier.

It has been an exciting and educational experience for Laura to be in Canada. The exposure to new cultures, advanced technologies, and diverse working methods has greatly expanded her perspective. Laura is enthusiastic and confident about continuing her explorations and growth in Canada, despite facing some challenges during her time here.