When Dreams Get Shut Down
Let’s talk about strategy the kind that turns a “no” into a very smart “not yet.”
Let’s talk about when a student has everything lined up: the talent, the vision, the acceptance letters, and still doesn’t go. Why? Because someone else made the decision.
Sofía was a bright, determined student from Colombia. From the start, she knew exactly what she wanted: to study in Europe. Her dream cities? Madrid, Paris, Milan, not just for their beauty, but because they were home to the companies she wanted to work for after graduation.
We worked closely with her for weeks to shortlist the right programs. Universities that were innovative, globally connected, and located in cities full of career opportunities.
But everything changed during one counseling session, when her father joined the call.
Without hesitation, he said:
“I don’t want my daughter studying in Spain. There’s too much partying.”
From that moment on, Sofía’s decisions were no longer her own.
To find middle ground, we helped her apply to top schools in Miami, New York, and London. She was accepted to all three.
Meanwhile, she took a gap year in Spain and often told us:
“I can really see myself living here.”
But when the time came to accept an offer… she vanished.
No replies. No updates.
Weeks later, we found out she had returned to Colombia and enrolled at a local university.
Now, let’s be clear: studying in your home country is never a failure.
But when dreams are dimme, not by lack of ability or funding, but by someone else’s fear — it leaves a different kind of scar.
This wasn’t about budget.
It wasn’t about rejection.
It was about control.
Sofía
Accepted to: Universities in Miami, New York, and London
Status: Enrolled locally after a gap year
🎯 To every parent out there:
Don’t let fear kill your child’s dreams.
Ask yourself: Will you be their trampoline — or their cage?