As a member of Generation Z, I have always harbored the aspiration of living abroad and experiencing a lifestyle reminiscent of the movies during my twenties.
Reflecting on my time spent living overseas, particularly in Spain, I find myself nostalgic and eagerly anticipate the opportunity to return. Seeking a British equivalent of the ‘American Dream’, my parents made a pivotal choice eleven years ago to uproot our lives from the quaint Costa Brava town of Empuriabrava and relocate to London, the bustling capital of the UK.
During my teenage years at the age of 14, my main focus revolved around socializing with friends post-school and embracing the typical rebellious Spanish adolescent lifestyle.
Adapting to the British way of life was challenging for me. I was unfamiliar with customs such as rushing to the ice cream truck after school for a classic 99 Flake. Instead, most days after classes, I would head straight home to complete my homework, often neglecting to make social plans.
Navigating social circles in the UK proved to be more complex due to the diverse boroughs and lengthy travel times between locations. Coming from a small town environment, forming friendships and spending time with peers was considerably simpler. Even now, at 25 years old, I find this sentiment resonating with me.
Despite the challenges, my teenage years in the UK were rewarding, filled with cherished memories that I hold dear. Reflecting on my life in Spain, I often ponder how things might have unfolded if my parents had not made such a drastic move.
Ashley, an Audience Writer for The Mirror’s Emerging Content Team, specializes in covering entertainment, culture, and travel for audiences under 35. Previously, Ashley worked as a sub-editor for Snapchat Discover at MailOnline.
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