This year is pretty special for me. I want to relive and remember this experience, and reflect on my life. It’s like I was running, struggling—mostly with myself and my own character—for a long time. I tried to be better, I tried to be perfect. And now I want to stop, at least for a little bit, and look back.
Honestly, I don’t want to think much about the time before May 23, 2024. On this day, I started over—with the crucial knowledge I’ve gained over the past 10 years. I finally got to the U.S. 🥲🎉
And I appreciate everything that led me here, but it was rough. It’s so hard to live in an environment that doesn’t fit who you are—it really messes with you. So, I dealt with it by escaping into TV shows and games. I still do that sometimes, but so much less now. Now I actually go outside, enjoy walking, and most of the time, I’m not even scared of talking to people. It’s a blessing. I’m awake and alive, and my year started on May 23, 2024.
My story - Introduction - 4K.mov
On this date, my husband Vic, our cat Morphy, and I moved to the U.S. We had already rented our first apartment while still outside the country, and it turned out to be the perfect first home for us. Especially for Morphy, who is 10 and finally has access to “cat TV” windows where he can watch birds and squirrels. It’s so good for him—stimulates his brain and keeps him entertained. I’m super happy for him.
My story - Family - HD 720p.mov
I’m also happy for myself because now, I live close to my friends. I’d almost forgotten what it’s like to socialize more than once a week. Here, I have my oldest friend from school who, by chance, lives nearby with her adorable child and husband. I even have friends from 12 years ago who also have a child. It’s perfect for me because, although I don’t want kids, it’s interesting to interact with them sometimes and watch them grow.
Of course, my friends introduced me to their friends, and we share so many common interests and views on life. After five years of feeling alone and misunderstood, I finally have a community I belong to—and it feels amazing.
Having a community means I’m experiencing so much more than I could have alone. In these five months, I’ve seen some incredible things: the San Francisco fog, ocean beaches, endless palm trees, the Golden Gate Bridge, and so many unique animals. The wildlife here is something special. But as someone who has experienced depression, I can honestly say that if it weren’t for my friends and this supportive environment, I wouldn’t even be able to enjoy it all.
My story - Achievements - 4K.mov
And because of all these things that have given me strength and a will to live again, I can feel proud of what I’ve accomplished since moving here. Even though I haven’t found a job in my field as a UX/UI designer yet, I still managed to earn some money (finally). For the first time in my life, I was paid to walk dogs and pet-sit. It was an amazing experience, and earning even a little money while I’m job-hunting in a tough market has helped me feel capable. I also got my first driver’s license and discovered that I love driving. So, who knows—maybe my next job will be as a taxi driver! 🚕
Looking back, it’s amazing to see how much has changed in such a short time. I’m proud of how far I’ve come, and I’m hopeful for the journey ahead. For the first time in a long time, I feel like I belong, and that makes everything feel possible.