Teresa Buczkowska recounts the poignant moment of leaving Poland for Ireland at age 22, carrying minimal possessions and the hopes of her family. With just â¬20 in her pocket and a limited command of English, she faced the daunting challenge of starting anew in a foreign land. Her story reflects themes of resilience, responsibility, and the immigrant experience, highlighting the emotional weight carried during such life-altering transitions and the courage required to pursue a better future.
Before I left the house, my mum crossed my forehead and looked at me with fear and hope. She walked with me to our neighbours, who drove me to a bus stop. On my shoulders, I carried a large backpack, heavy with my possessions and the weight of responsibility for my family's future. I was 22 and moving to Ireland.
A green cooking pot, a spoon, a fork, a knife, a dinner plate, broken English and a single â¬20 note were all I had.
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