I went through this process myself

I’m Marcela Ortiz , born in Colombia, living in the Netherlands for 14 years.

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When I arrived in the Netherlands in 2012 with one suitcase and a heart full of hope, I stepped into a world where I didn’t speak the language, didn’t understand the culture, and didn’t feel at home.

 

I did what many internationals do: I studied hard, worked harder, adapted fast. I built a life that looked “successful” from the outside — a degree, a career, a house, Dutch nationality.

But inside, I felt disconnected. From my roots. From my identity. From myself.

 

2023 and 2024 were years that challenged me deeply. They revealed the parts of myself I had abandoned and marked the beginning of my transformation. I believe no one should go through the integration process alone. That’s why I created Conquer Me: a program shaped by lived experience, emotional intelligence, and the belief that every international deserves to feel grounded, confident, and whole.