I can still remember sitting at my computer about two years ago when I received a
message from my teacher asking me if I wanted to participate in the “Erasmus+
project”. It sounded interesting so I answered with a simple “yes”. And that’s how it all
began. At this point, I don’t know if I was expecting much. To be honest, I didn’t even
think that I could go anywhere.
But surely I was wrong about that. After two long years of waiting, I was finally able to
participate in the project myself, it was when the students from other countries came
to Slovenia. That experience itself was wonderful.
At the end of their stay, we found out who’d be going to the Reunion Island. Me and
Lan. I couldn’t wait. The Reunion Island, that’s so far away, in the middle of the Indian
Ocean??? You could say I was quite excited.
But as the date of our leave got closer, not only did my excitement and expectations
grow, but so did my fear. I was afraid of… everything. Of how different it will be, of not
making friends, of being so far away from home…
And what to expect? At first, I didn’t expect anything, I just wanted to have fun and
see new things, but after the exchange in Slovenia my expectations grew. »I want to
make new friends, I want to create beautiful memories, and I want it to be just
perfect!«, I thought.
After a day of travel, we finally landed. The trees, the birds, the flowers, and even the
air were so different and yet so beautiful.
Looking back on that week, it feels like it lasted a month, maybe because we saw so
much and felt so connected with everyone. But in that moment, the week felt like a
second, like a blink of an eye. I remember it was Monday and then suddenly
Wednesday when everyone was like, “Oh, don’t worry, we still have half a week to
have fun” and the next moment we were at the airport saying our goodbyes.
I think we became friends the moment we met. We laughed and we danced, we sang
French songs and we cried. I cried. I cried a lot on Friday. It’s funny because at the
beginning I almost didn’t want to leave Slovenia and after only a week I didn’t want to
come back. Maybe it’s because they not only showed us around the island, taught us
about their culture and showed us new things, but also made us feel welcome. They
made me feel like I can be whomever I want and that was OK.
I was proud of myself for being able to be on the other side of the world hanging out
with people I didn’t know before. And I realized that no matter where you are and
where you go, you can find people you relate to, people who understand you and
have fun with, people who accept and love you for who you are. I’ve come to realize
that we’re all the same, we’re all just humans. We all make mistakes, we learn from
them and we grow. They taught me that it’s okay to be different and “weird”. They
gave me hope, hope that there are good people out there who will like me for who I
am.
Even though it’s been almost a month since we left, I still think about them every day
and I don’t think I will forget them anytime soon.
For me, going to the Reunion Island was a life-changing experience and I will forever
be grateful that I was given the chance to go there. It was way better than I could’ve
ever imagined and I don’t think words can describe how I feel. I believe this “trip” has
changed me. I think I’m a better person now, well I definitely feel better.
To sum up, I think I can say it was the best week of my life.
Written by Eliza Vaupot
When I was selected for the mobility in Reunion, I was so happy. It was such a good
opportunity to meet people, learn about their culture and gain experience. I have to
admit that I was scared going there all alone, without my family at the age of 13.
But as soon as we got there, it all changed.
I met so many nice people who all spoke English very well and I could even
communicate to those who didn’t. I also learned a lot in every way. Not just about
their culture and English, but also how to deal with stress and even maths.
But the most important thing I learned was how to be independent. Going 10,000
km away from home at the age of 13 is scary. But you come back with so much that
it is really worth it. You learn how to be independent and really get a view into what
life will look like as an adult. I’m very happy that I got the chance to participate, and
I’m grateful to everybody who made this possible.
Written by Lan Krištofelc
Health-yEUth 