Telling My Story – Not as Simple as It Sounds!
It feels a bit strange to write about myself – it’s actually the first time I’ve ever been asked to do it – but here I go!
My name is Arwen, I’m 20 years old, and I’ve always traveled a lot. I was born in France, in Saint-Grégoire, and just after my birth my parents took me to live in Ireland for three years. We lived very close to where I am now, and it feels surreal to come back here 17 years later with no memories of that time.
After those three years in Ireland, I spent 15 years in New Caledonia, a little piece of French paradise in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. I had some wonderful years there and met people who became more than just friends – they became family.
After all that time, I wanted to see something new, to discover the world and its many cultures, different ways of thinking, and languages. I talked about it with my mum, who wanted to return to France, since we were 17,000 km away from the family I barely knew.
So, on February 17, 2023, we moved back to France, and a new life began. I felt a bit lost, but still young, and my thirst for experiences and my need to give meaning to my life pushed me forward. I’ve always had a dream: to become an air traffic controller. When I arrived in France, I started to learn more about my family and discovered that two of them had served in the French Navy. While doing some research, I came across something interesting: a one-year program where, every weekend, I could experience military life. I applied, went through interviews, and suddenly – there I was, in the military for a year! And I loved it.
At the same time, I was finishing high school. I had chosen scientific subjects – mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology – because I’ve always had a strong passion for science in all its forms, whether environmental, medical, or technological. Later, I decided to specialize in naval aviation, and in a way, all my travels only strengthened that choice.
One thing I have always loved, whether on a boat, on a plane, or even from the window of a car, is looking at the ocean. It has always fascinated me – vast, powerful, and mysterious – and it has been a constant presence throughout my life. I think that’s why both science and the environment have always attracted me, even when I didn’t fully realize it.
But still, something was missing: English. I spoke to my dad, and he told me: “Go to Ireland!” That was it. After passing my final exams (and succeeding!), I packed up all my stuff – my car, my endless “girl things,” and a ferry ticket for me and my car – and set off for Ireland, a country I already knew… or so I thought!
Fifteen hours at sea! I spent most of the trip on deck, wrapped up in my jacket, eyes fixed on the horizon, phone in hand to capture photos. We were lucky enough to see a breath-taking sunset with nothing but the ocean stretching endlessly around us.
I arrived in Dublin at 10:30 a.m., greeted by classic Irish rain. I jumped into my car and faced two hours of driving: a French car (with the steering wheel on the left) on Irish roads (where everyone drives on the left too!). Honestly, I was terrified!
When I first arrived in Ireland, I didn’t really know what I was looking for, apart from an unforgettable experience and the chance to improve my English. I applied for a position at an environmental NGO, where I went through interviews in English – which were very challenging – and I was thrilled to be offered the role. It was a perfect opportunity to combine my interest in science, the environment, and gaining hands-on experience.
So here I am now in Ballinaglera, working at GEAI, living an experience I’ll never forget. I was welcomed by two lovely Italian girls who showed me the house we live in, gave me a tour of the office, and explained the projects we’re working on. I’m now discovering the world of environmental work, part of an incredible team with different cultures, languages, and ideas. That’s the beauty of it: every day you learn from others, from yourself, and from projects I never imagined I’d be involved in.
Today, I’m happy to be here. I discover and learn something new every single day – all while holding onto my life goal, which hasn’t changed and only keeps growing stronger.