I was 17, about to graduate high school in Almaty, and I had two paths in front of me. One was safe, comfortable, and already planned — university at home, my family close, everything guaranteed. The other was a scholarship to study in Russia, alone, with almost nothing certain.

This episode is the story of that decision. Not the polished version — the real one. The guilt I felt about possibly leaving my family. The people who told me I'd be back within two months. The conversation with my history teacher that changed everything. And the moment I physically left my diploma at the university office, knowing there was no turning back.

If you've ever felt caught between the safe choice and the one that scares you — between what everyone expects and what you actually want — this episode is for you.

This is also where Your World English really begins: a podcast for women who learned English in a country where it wasn't the norm, and who are more ready for an international life than they realize.

In this episode:
00:00 – Why I'm making this podcast, and who it's for
02:30 – Two paths: staying home vs. a scholarship in Russia
06:00 – The guilt of even considering leaving my family
09:30 – What my history teacher said that changed my mind
14:00 – Leaving my diploma behind — no turning back
18:00 – What happened after I said yes
21:00 – The question I want you to sit with

If this resonated with you, I'd genuinely love to hear your story. You can find me at @m_natalika, or e-mail: natalia.mete@icloud.com

New episodes every two weeks.