I had just finished my A levels in Germany. I  felt kind of lost in my hometown and had the urge to leave it, to discover something new. I knew that this decision would come with the fact that I had to leave family and friends who had surrounded me for the last 20 years. This realization was scary on one hand, but felt exciting on the other hand. I ended up on the other side of the planet - French Polynesia, following my dad who had moved there for career choices. To be honest, I didn’t even know of its islands, but growing up bilingual I could speak their national language (which was French). Furthermore, it helped me to think that I could always return if I wanted to. It was not a final decision. There is always a way back. From then on, I was the only person in control. So I just went for it.

The beginning was difficult because I wasn’t satisfied with my studies, but I noticed that with time, things had fallen into place how they should be. It was a lot easier to get organised once I was on the island. I found my dream studies which I didn’t even know existed on the island, and my plan to leave after one year was definitely cancelled when I met the love of my life.

I know it’s a big thing to say at 22, but that’s just how it is.

I met Lilou during my studies because we had courses in the same building and it was a sure thing from day one. I wasn’t looking for love, on the contrary; I was happy beginning this chapter alone, but I guess real love comes when you expect it the least. Our relationship was what got me through hard times: finding friends, missing family and friends. His family soon felt like my own. I didn’t immediately think of how this relationship would affect my future plans, or at least the idea I had of it. It was weird knowing that my family in Germany had never met him, and that they wouldn’t meet him in the near future. Yet, it became clear that we have the same values and claims for our future. We both wanted to live a happy life, like everyone should. And for us, it is clear that Tahiti is the first place where we really feel happy and fulfilled. For now, he has finished his studies and I will finish mine in 2025. That’s the point where it gets tricky because Tahiti is small and education possibilities in our interests are limited. This could lead to the decision to go back to Europe, which comes with many unsolved questions: Will we find something that suits us both? Will our relationship lose its magic because we’re “out of paradise”? Will we both accept leaving? The last one is the scariest one though…what if there is just one of us who wants to leave behind the island life we appreciate so much?

I am always the first person who would recommend you to follow your instincts, do what you want to do, explore what you want to explore and when you are feeling confident in your decisions, the rest will come as it goes. When I was younger I made the mistake to listen to my partner and to not go abroad just because I was scared that he would leave me. This damaged our relationship, and it broke apart anyway.

If Lilou and I can both can agree on a location to continue our studies it will make me the happiest girl on earth, but if we don’t… I know we’ll be fine and find a way to get through this challenging time. When you truly love each other you’ll always find a way. I know it’s a cliché thing to say, but you need to trust in love. If Lilou and I are meant to be together, just like I feel it every single day, I know that we’ll always end up back together- even if it means letting go of him for a certain time so that he can accomplish his goals. This is the only way that you can continue to build a strong, loving, supporting relationship without any remorse.