Image Copyright Kim Howell
You know when Miley Cyrus said, “I never would’ve believed you if three years ago you told me I’d be here”, in her ‘Malibu’ song?
Well, trust me, I agree with that statement a thousand percent. I’m turning seventeen soon - my second birthday being celebrated in a new country.
I am originally from Port Elizabeth, South Africa, and am now living in the Republic of Ireland. It doesn’t sound like the most life changing experience saying it to someone who has never experienced it themselves, but it totally is.
I’ve been here in Ireland for about a year and a half.
I remember when my parents used to talk and tell my sister and I about moving, but I never thought it would actually happen.
And it did; it happened quickly too.
One second, we were in SA and in the next, we were among the green hills and surrounded by the good old Irish accents.
I refused to move until I was finished high school in South Africa, that was my bargain, but it didn’t happen that way.
So, when my parents were looking for places and areas of Ireland for us to move to, I had a look at the schools, and believe it or not, the school I chose was the deal breaker of where we ended up living. I chose a school that sounded and felt like home to me, and it ended up just like that.
We live in a beautiful, quaint little town, with its very own lake.
Now, I never wanted to move in the first place for various reasons, mainly because of the ‘not knowing’. I wasn’t really scared or nervous, but I didn’t want to leave what I already had.
I never had many friends, but I had a few good ones, and I was in an amazing friend group.
I was respected and people knew who I was.
I worked so hard in school and got terrific marks, and everyone knew me and my no-nonsense ways.
But then I had to leave my reputation and everything I worked so incredibly hard to build behind.
I guess that’s what made me not want to leave.
I ended up in fifth year within a few months of being here, which is technically grade 11.
So, I basically skipped grade 10 (I was only in grade 10 in SA for a few weeks of the first term). I thought it wouldn’t work out, but it was a smooth transition. I had to rebuild my entire reputation again, go through two more years of school, and I would have to make friends.
Friends. In this generation, might I add.
I worked hard like I always do, and my results shone through. But I didn’t put as much pressure on myself as I did back in SA, because seriously, I just moved countries, I deserved a bit of a break.
It’s just so much easier here to ask teachers for help, and the teacher student relationship is of a friendly respect.
Not so much a strict, uptight system – well, for the school I attend.
I love the Irish, and their ways.
It’s a struggle to make friends, I’m not going to lie, so I’ve been very close to my sister.
But, so far I’m working on it. I don’t mind being seen as the quiet loner sometimes, it’s not all bad.
I absolutely love it here, and I wouldn’t change it for the world.
Believe me, I don’t think I would have said that the very first month I was here, but growth is necessary.
I obviously miss our stunning South Africa, and everything lovely it came with.
I haven’t turned my back on it, and I never will, its culture and heritage still strums in my bones and blood.
I can now walk and sleep without the stress of locking my doors, security gates (which they don’t even have here), and clutching onto my phone and purse.
It’s a peace not many are lucky to have, but should have.
I am grateful each and every single day.
It may rain almost all the time, but on those rare sunny days, everything is an occasion to remember.
The vibes are immaculate.
So, my first school year in Ireland is finished now, and I’m on summer break (which is 3 months long btw). And I decided to write this for anyone who’s in the same position that I was in a year and a half ago.
Trust me, it’s worth it, as long as you always keep a positive mindset.
Many tears will be shed but yolo.
You will always have a friend somewhere, even if they live across the ocean on another continent, or making new ones with strange accents.
You’ve got this.
Loads of love,
Me.
P.S: Oh and, before I forget. A “copy” is like a book that you write in for school. A “biro” is a pen. And I think a “topper” is a sharpener, I’m not too sure, I’m still learning…but I hope this helps.
Important links:
#MapMyMove- Our coaching Services - Confused or lost and need some direction, book a session with us to help untangle the confusion and work out your route of immigration
Educate Together Schools: A Parent's experience
If you have a story to share please email us a blog at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
