Three years ago, I arrived in Bremen for the first time. The sun was shining, a beautiful flower market filled the streets, and I instantly fell in love with the city. During my Erasmus exchange, we had some time to explore. On our last day, while we were trying to find something and obviously looked very lost, a kind lady approached my team leader and me to offer help. I was stunned. First, because I understood her and she was talking in German. Second, because a stranger showed such genuine kindness. That simple act stayed with me and made me appreciate Bremen even more.
Even though I fell in love with Bremen, I never imagined I would one day call it home. But life has a way of leading us. After three years, I was back, and once again, the sun welcomed me. I smiled thinking about how people call Bremen a rainy, gray city. But after a couple of months, it became clear. The sun slowly disappeared, and the short, gray days took over.
But I didn’t come here for the weather. If sunshine was what I wanted, northern Germany wouldn’t have been my first choice. I came because I didn’t want to settle for a job that drained me. I wanted to explore not just new places but also the hidden corners of my own mind and heart.
My experience in Bremen has given me so many moments I will cherish forever. The sunsets painted the sky with breathtaking colors. I often found myself staring out the window, watching as the day slowly melted into night. Long walks through Bremen’s parks filled me with peace and gratitude. This journey has been a teacher in so many ways. I have learned how to handle the unexpected, how to find solutions with patience and creativity, and how to see the world from different perspectives. I realized that just because someone has a different opinion does not mean they are wrong. I learned the importance of structure and consistency, how to manage my time, and the deep value of community.
Of course, not everything was easy. The long, gray winters sometimes felt endless. Learning the language was another challenge. There were moments of triumph and moments of frustration. But this experience will stay with me forever. The lessons, the people, the emotions. It is shaping the person I am becoming. I know that years from now, I will look back and realize just how much this journey influenced my path, my dreams, and the way I see the world.
Not everyone would choose this path. But for those who do, the rewards are immeasurable. This is for the dreamers, the seekers, the ones unafraid to step into the unknown. It is for those who embrace change, open their hearts to new cultures, and see the beauty in different perspectives. It is for the brave. The ones who take action but also understand that real growth takes time.
Sandra is hosted by NaturKultur e.V. on our project co-funded by the European Union.
