Page 93 - IFAFA ebook v4

37.

Finn Brannigan (17)

I started in Ireland, then Bulgaria, Poland and Ireland again.

Brussels has left the biggest impression so far. I guess I have the

most bonds here. I am 17 now. The prospect of leaving before

graduation was scary. We got one more year here and now another

one so I will be able to graduate here, which I am really happy

about.

I feel connected to Ireland. My dad is Irish. I am Irish. I learned

Irish until last year; I dropped it this year so that I have more

room for other subjects. I have got lots of friends who live in

Ireland. We met here in Brussels and we are still in contact. I will

most likely go to a university in Ireland. We have a house there so

it will be cheaper.

We go to Greece every year and although I never lived there, I feel

attached to Greece. My grandparents’ house there is the only

constant house in my life we return to. And my grandparents are

there. I would rather live in Ireland and go for holidays in Greece

than the other way around. Greece is more like a relaxed place. The

fact that I have to move around is kind of normal in a European

School; many people are in the same situation. It was different in

Ireland. I remember before we moved to Brussels, there was a list of

postings we could choose from. And I remember saying I like this or

that.

I did not want to go to Brussels, I found the first year here hard. I

liked the school but not the city. Now, I really love it. Our parents

listen to us. My dad has made a big career choice to enable us to

stay here so that I can graduate here. I am introverted but I can

make friends easily. I was lucky because when I arrived, there were

a lot of other new arrivals. We arrived together with many of my

friends. I did karate, drama and swimming. Most people I meet are

from the European School network. When one has to leave, you

have to remake yourself. You have to be ready for the change. Just

roll with it.

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