It’s really hard for me to put into words what this year and this whole experience have
meant to me. But let’s give it a try.
I remember it like it was yesterday: arriving in Lisbon alone, sad, and absolutely
terrified about the challenge ahead. But when I compare that version of Nacho to who I
am now, I can really feel how much I’ve grown. It reminds me that, even if it all went by
so fast, a lot has happened this year.
As I already said, the first few weeks weren’t easy. But as time went on, that
adjustment period became a smaller and smaller part of the overall experience. Now
I’m genuinely grateful for that time — it made me appreciate how lucky I was to have
such an opportunity.
I honestly believe that what I’ve learned this year couldn’t have been learned any other
way. I’ve improved my English and learned Portuguese, and through that I’ve
discovered how stimulating it is to build personal connections in another language. The
same goes for work: I’ve had the chance to collaborate closely with incredible
professionals and, above all, incredible people. There are even bird names that now
only come to me in Portuguese.
I’ve also learned that the world is not just your city; people are not only your social
circles; fun is not limited to your current hobbies; partying isn’t just the places you go to
every weekend; and your current self probably isn’t the most enjoyable version of you.
There are thousands of things out there waiting to be experienced, and with each new
thing you try, you discover a little bit more about yourself. And that’s the most valuable
lesson I’m taking with me.
I’m leaving Lisbon much more open to new experiences, with a better understanding of
who I am, knowing more clearly what I want in life, and above all, appreciating and
loving myself more. None of this would have been possible without all the wonderful
people I’ve met along the way. I feel incredibly lucky and grateful for every single one of
them. I know this is one of those years you simply never forget.
