As a member of Generation Z, I often fantasize about living abroad and experiencing a lifestyle akin to what is portrayed in movies during my twenties.

It’s quite amusing that even after spending a considerable amount of time living in another country, namely Spain, I find myself nostalgic for my past life there and eagerly anticipate the opportunity to return. Seeking a British equivalent of the ‘American Dream,’ my parents made a monumental decision 11 years ago to uproot our lives from the quaint Costa Brava town of Empuriabrava in Spain and relocate to London, the capital of the UK.

At the age of 14, my primary focus revolved around socializing with friends post-school hours and embracing the typical rebellious teenage life common in Spain.

The British way of life eluded me, and I seemed oblivious to the tradition of rushing to the ice cream van for a classic 99 Flake after school. Unlike my routine back in Spain, where I would complete my homework and not actively seek out plans, my days in the UK were markedly different.

Navigating friendships in the UK proved challenging due to the vast distances between boroughs, a stark contrast to the ease of connection in a small town. Even now, at 25, I can still empathize with this sentiment.

Despite the hurdles, my teenage years in the UK were enriching. I hold fond memories from that time that I will always treasure. Reflecting on my life in Spain, I often ponder how things might have unfolded had my parents not made such a dramatic choice.

While the outcome will forever remain unknown, I harbor no resentment towards the path taken.