MOVING ABROAD SOLO AT 13!
From an early stage we spoke openly with my parents about it as I kept dropping the question here and there.
- Mom if I want to go to live in another country would you allow me to leave?
And she would nod with hesitation. My mom moved from her home country (Ukraine) when she was 19 so she was already approaching these matters through her own experience as she knew about all the hard work and sacrifices it takes. Who wouldn't hesitate with words like these, coming from a nine-year-old.
As a young dancer I was always so lucky to get to travel for dance competitions which was magical! At thirteen, I was looking for a dance partner and unfortunately at the time Greece wasn't the place that I could find the right one.
In fact this is the picture in the airport before I said goodbye to all of my friends
And then the opportunity arrived and my vision came to life.
Moving to Spain was quite a big decision. Not only mine but my mom's big decision too. The idea of leaving behind my family, my beloved friends, my life, my school and begin a completely new life, in a complete different world from where I grew, was surprisingly fascinating to me. I took this decision easily because my passion and thrill of dancing and studying around the world was stronger than staying in my comfort zone. Adventurers at heart will understand that.
In fact this is the picture in the airport before I said goodbye to all of my friends.
But timing and distance eventually got to me as I grew older. Once I arrived, making friends, "fitting in", the language barrier and the "adapting to the culture" was my main concern, of course after having to study in 3 different languages (English, Spanish, Catalan), practicing 5 hours a day and competing every weekend and the list goes on, my interests changed quickly to match those of my new friends, my new world. But later on I learned that to change yourself to try to fit in, all it generates is losing who you are.
In these five years in Spain, Barcelona I had experienced the best and the worst times of my life, but I wouldn't have it any other way!
Moving has shown me that change isn’t something we should ever be afraid of. It has made me more adaptable, strong, and independent. I can't even name all the positive benefits that I've acquired and that I'm thankful for to the culture of Spain, the people I met and the lovely memories I made.
I’ve become so accustomed to change now that the thought of having to staying in one place for a long time scares me more than anything, rather than the other way around. I have leaned to step out of my comfort zone and to have confidence in doing it too. I have no other choice but to expect the unexpected and trust in my skill set to handle any issues as they come.
In fact, I've learned people in different countries really want to know all about my experiences and my life and people back home in Greece are following all my discoveries wherever I go!
By writing a blog, keeping a photo journal, hopefully I will inspire young souls to pop the bubble that surrounds them.
Remember saying " I LOVE YOU" in another language always seems more romantic!
Lots of amor,
x Katerina
