Chapter 1: A New Start

Hello everyone! This marks my first entry on any platform. I've been in the UK for two weeks now, and I must say, life is treating me well. Just to give you some context, I’m seventeen years old. Before the visa application process began, I had already spent four months at university, gearing up for my first semester exams.

Let’s rewind a bit. School kicked off in the last week of August 2023 after I had spent nearly a year at home. I graduated from high school at sixteen, which, of course, led to my parents teasing me, saying, "We know you're smart, but don’t overdo it studying for a degree you might not even use." This playful banter started just a week before I left. Naturally, being a typical young adult, I brushed it off, determined to excel at university just as I had throughout my life.

When I arrived, I was ready to embrace the freedom I had longed for while also aiming for a 4.5 GPA in Electronics Engineering. The registration process was chaotic, with each department having over 150 students. Thankfully, my friendly demeanor helped me navigate the registration hurdles despite my 5'7" stature.

After spending seven weeks at the university, I became familiar with every eatery, shopping mall, and leisure facility available. I particularly enjoyed the gaming facilities, spending at least forty-five minutes each day immersed in gaming, despite my friends occasionally whispering "addiction" in my ear. My brothers back home were exceptionally skilled at PC games, which often made me consider quitting due to their superior abilities. Parties were never my scene, but having friends with clear goals made my journey easier.

A few months in, I received the news that we were relocating. I was heartbroken, as I had envisioned enriching the lives of those around me and perhaps profiting from it. Starting over in a new place felt daunting, as I would have to rebuild connections and find my purpose all over again. While I was unhappy with the decision, I had little power to change it. They allowed me to complete my first semester exams, but it felt futile.

In a bid to spend my savings before moving to Europe, I splurged on skincare products, stationery, and other essentials. This experience is what inspired the title of my piece.

After two months of visa processing for the entire family, we finally received approval, and our flight was set for March 13, 2024. As the departure date approached, we boarded the plane for the first time, and soon we touched down in London. Since arriving, I’ve done little more than create a Medium account; all attempts to land a part-time job have been unsuccessful. I want to be part of the Medium community, but finances are holding me back. I remain hopeful that I can find a job soon to support fellow aspiring writers like myself.

So, there you have it. This is the beginning of my writing journey. I hope you’ll join me as I grow as a young writer in this community. Thank you for your time.

In the video "A Pen, A Paper, and A Purpose: A Spoken Word Poem" by Isbah Nasir at TEDxGeorgiaStateU, the artist explores the transformative power of writing and expression, emphasizing how a simple pen and paper can unlock creativity and purpose.

The original song "Pens & Paper" showcases the deep connection between writing and personal storytelling, highlighting the significance of capturing thoughts and emotions through written words.