Embarking on a pursuit of physics in the United States has been a transformative journey, shaping my perspective on science and sparking reflections on collaboration, limitations, and the state of research in Latin American countries. As an international student, the challenges of being a science researcher without U.S. citizenship became apparent, particularly in securing funding for niche areas of science heavily dependent on government support. This realization prompted me to question the scarcity of opportunities, particularly in experimental physics, in my home country, Argentina. Little did I know, my perceptions were skewed by my immediate surroundings, and a broader perspective awaited.