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For many students, the journey to higher education is more than just a pursuit of knowledge—it’s a leap of faith, a challenge to break barriers, and an opportunity to change their lives.

Micquela Espinosa and Daniela Aguirre, international students from Ecuador, know this all too well as they navigate their future at UC Irvine’s Paul Merage School of Business—thanks in large part to the Merage for Latin America Scholarship Program.

A Dream in the Making for Micquela

From an early age, Micquela knew she wanted more than just a conventional education. “I've always enjoyed joining projects and taking on challenges because I believe that's where you truly learn about yourself,” she says.

With a background in business management and marketing, Micquela was eager to expand her expertise and take her skills to the next level. Her search led her to UCI, where she found a program that aligned with her aspirations. “While working in my family’s construction business, I saw a gap between industry practices and market development,” Micquela explains. “I knew I needed a program that would help me bridge that gap and give me the tools to create meaningful change.”

Today, Micquela is pursuing these answers as a student in the Master’s in Innovation and Entrepreneurship (MIE) program at Merage.

A Transformative Experience for Daniela

For Daniela Aguirre, pursuing a master’s degree in the United States once seemed like a distant dream. However, thanks to the Merage for Latin America scholarship, she is now making that dream a reality.

Before arriving here, Daniela Aguirre completed her undergraduate studies at Universidad San Francisco de Quito in Ecuador. There, she pursued a double major in marketing and finance, along with a minor in business analytics. “At first, I didn’t even know that UCI had a scholarship, but when I heard there was a new Merage for Latin America scholarship for students I knew I wanted to apply,” Daniela says. “It’s been an amazing experience. I enjoy everything about this program.”

With her background in marketing and finance, Daniela is now advancing her studies in the Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) program and embracing every opportunity she can.

One Big Question for Micquela

During her application process for the Merage for Latin America scholarship program, one question during the interview stuck with Micquela: How do you apply your knowledge to overcome challenges and contribute to your community?

“As an Ecuadorian woman, I’ve faced challenges in a society where certain traditional perceptions about gender still persist,” she explains. “It was important for me to use my education to not only advance my career but to also inspire other women in my country to break barriers.”

Growing Beyond Borders

Adjusting to life in the United States came with its own set of challenges for Micquela. “I was the only international Latino student in my class,” she says. “Navigating different cultures, adapting to structured academic environments, and overcoming the language barrier was a huge learning experience for me.”

Despite these hurdles, she’s embraced the experience wholeheartedly. “Being here has opened my eyes. In the U.S., you can challenge yourself in new ways—even things I never imagined, like taking a surfing class,” she says. “I never thought I’d do something like that, but it’s about pushing yourself beyond your comfort zone.”

Welcoming New Opportunities

Daniela has now been at the Merage school for eight months, and she has found the school to be incredibly hospitable. “I really like how UCI is very welcoming,” she says. “I like how they’ve connected us with students from last year and the network opportunities we have to meet people in the businesses we want to work in.”

Daniela has also found the professors to be highly accessible and supportive, which is a contrast to the academic environment she experienced in Latin America. “When you get an education there, you have a lot of respect for the professor,” she says, “but it doesn’t have the same personal connection that you get here. That’s something I really appreciate, because I can ask my professors for guidance.”

Advice to Future Applicants

For other Latin American students considering Merage or applying for the scholarship, Micquela has one piece of advice: Don’t hesitate.

“Just jump in and challenge yourself. The future you will thank you,” she says. “This program has changed my life in ways I never imagined. Now, I’m standing on a bigger stage, ready to face the world.”

“One of my best pieces of advice would be to dream big,” Daniela emphasized. “When I was applying, I didn’t know if I was going to get in or even get a scholarship here. So, my best advice is to dream big. Try. Just try and see what happens, and hopefully, it’s going to work for you.”

Entrepreneurial Mindset and Future Aspirations

While Daniela is still in the midst of her studies, she already has a clear vision for her future. With Optional Practical Training (OPT) allowing her to stay in the U.S. for up to three years after graduation. “My plans for when I finish my degree are simple,” she says. “I would like to work in FinTech. That would be related to my undergrad in finance but also connected with my master’s in business analytics, which involves coding a lot. But I would also enjoy a career in marketing.”

Micquela is currently immersed in the Entrepreneurs Master program, a rigorous course that challenges students to think innovatively and develop their own business ideas. “Being involved in this program has helped me refine my vision. I’ve seen different cultures, different ways of thinking, and it’s shaping how I approach business,” she says. “Entrepreneurship is about more than just ideas—it’s about execution, resilience, and being ready for the unexpected.”

Lessons Learned Along the Way

Daniela emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence for new students at the Merage School. “Managing your emotions is key,” she says. “At the end of the day, you face challenges alone, and keeping your mental health strong is crucial. You never know what someone else is going through, so kindness is important in both business and life.”

Micquela’s biggest takeaway? Confidence. “My whole perspective has changed. Now, no matter what comes my way, I know I can handle it with more calm and wisdom,” she says. “This program has given me the best version of myself. My younger self could never have imagined what I’m doing now.”

Both Daniela Aguirre and Micquela Espinosa hope to inspire many other aspiring students from Latin America who are eager to pursue higher education at a world-class institution. Together, they are living proof that, with hard work, determination, and the right opportunities, dreams can indeed come true at the Merage School of Business.