As president of the DBS Business Society, Stefany Briseth del Carmen, learned to overcome her insecurities and to form her own life vision. She left Venezuela right after high school, bidding goodbye to a loving mother who sacrificed her own wishes to help her daughter become independent and stable.
Why did you move to Dublin?
When I graduated from high school in 2013, I applied for many college courses in Venezuela, but it did not feel right. At the time I had an aunt living in Dublin, and so, after weighing my options, I decided to move here and at the same time work on my English.
How did you find settling in Dublin, and has it helped to have your aunt around?
At first it was a culture shock. I grew up in the countryside and was unsure on how to behave in this new city. Life in Dublin is very different to life in Venezuela. I was afraid of walking alone at the canal for fear of being robbed. But once I became more familiar with the city and its people I felt safer. It sure helped me to have my aunt around. I always looked up to her because she left everything behind and made something of herself.
Was Dublin Business School your first choice?
I applied at DIT first but was told that I would have needed to have lived here at least three years minimum. And so, I applied to DBS and my application went through and I was accepted.
Why was it so difficult for you to adjust?
Life in Venezuela is very different. I entered college surrounded by people that already knew their way around. In 2015 I decided to do a sabbatical year and moved to France. I worked at a student residence and got to travel and even visit my family.
What did you gain from your experience of living in France?
Spending time in France helped me adjust to life abroad. I changed my mindset and decided to make the best of what I had.
What helped you change your mindset?
I understood that I needed to initiate the change and to be more engaging. I became more involved with college and joined the student societies. This really helped me. As I had already started to study business, I felt compelled to join the Business Society. I was fortunate enough to become more involved and did the PR for the Society.
What made you want to become president of the DBS Business Society?
From 2016 to 2017 I was in charge of the Business Society´s PR and at the time DBS was looking for a new candidate to fill the position as president of the Society. The last candidate had already graduated and so after a whole application process, that made me step outside my comfort zone, I was successfully elected to be the new president of the Business Society.
Between all your work and life in Dublin, do you miss your family?
I have grown to understand one thing about myself, which is, I like to be busy. Once I have things to do everything is great. I recently graduated from level 7 at college and after seeing all other students with their families, made me really miss mine.
How is your family coping with the situation in Venezuela?
They are as safe as they can be. The greatest challenge is the money and food shortage the country is facing. With this, crime and violence are rising. My aunt, uncle and I are helping as much as possible.
Do you think you will ever go back?
My mother said I should stay in Ireland and become as independent as possible, so I will be able to stand on my own two feet. I am so fortunate to be here. I get to work, study and travel. I know that my mom enabled me to do this, so I want to use this chance and make something of myself.
Interview by Adina Sarah Abraham
Adina Sarah Abraham 