November 1989

When I was younger, I often thought my parents should have moved abroad for us to enjoy (even) better living standards or work opportunities.

Looking back, my parents gave me the most valuable gift of them all. They risked their own lives and future to ensure their children would be born and raised in a free country with democratic values.

The road to our democracy has been bumpy, but we elected (somewhat) democratic leaders and eventually joined the EU in 2004.

Thanks to this collective dream of many, I can enjoy the benefits of being an EU citizen, move, travel, express my opinions.. freely. Without the fear of being executed or having my future ruined by not being enrolled in a university or getting a well-paid job.

The decision to move abroad to enjoy a “better life” is on me. But having the mere opportunity to make this decision with ease, the fact that my future is decided by my skills and not my “political profile,” that’s the most valuable gift forever treasured in my heart.

curious being
November 17th, 2020