Ivana's story

Sometimes the greatest changes begin with a single step taken in fear. For a long time, I believed that migration was simply moving from one place to another. Today, I know it is much more than that. It is a journey that changes not only where we live, but also who we become.

Very soon, I will be moving to another city to begin a new chapter of my life. This new beginning is filled with hope, but also with uncertainty. Until recently, the thought of leaving my comfort zone made me feel anxious. I was afraid of the unknown, of meeting new people, and of whether I would be able to find my place. I believed that my fear meant I was not ready.

Then I became part of the Erasmus+ project “Light in the Path”, whose main focus was migration. Before the project started, I was extremely nervous and worried because I had no idea what to expect. I questioned whether I would fit in and whether I would feel confident enough among so many new people.

As the days passed, everything began to change. I met people from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds, each carrying their own unique story. They spoke honestly about their experiences, their struggles, and the difficult journeys they had gone through. Some had left their homes by choice, while others had been forced to do so by circumstances beyond their control. Every story was different, yet they all had one thing in common: courage.

Listening to these personal experiences changed the way I look at my own life. I realized that fear of the unknown is completely natural, but it should never stop us from moving forward. I understood that everything happens for a reason and that every challenge we face is part of our own path. Every experience—whether joyful or painful—teaches us something valuable. It shapes our character, strengthens us, and prepares us for what lies ahead.

Today, I no longer see my upcoming move as something frightening. Instead, I see it as the beginning of a new adventure. I have learned that change is not something to fear, but an opportunity to grow, discover new horizons, meet inspiring people, and learn more about ourselves.

The “Light in the Path” project truly became a light on my own journey. It did not give me all the answers, but it gave me something even more valuable—the confidence to keep moving forward. It taught me that migration is not only about crossing borders or changing places. It is also an inner journey of growth, resilience, and self-discovery.

I now believe that every meeting, every challenge, and every change happens for a reason. Sometimes life takes us far from the place we call home so that we can discover the person we are meant to become. And once we understand that, we stop being afraid of the road ahead, because we know that every step, no matter how difficult it may seem, brings us closer to our true destination.