Key Takeaways
- The author, an Ethiopian immigrant, felt a loss of cultural identity after moving to England and embarking on a biochemistry degree at Imperial College London.
- To reconnect with their roots and try new experiences, the author took a 12-month break and moved to Leeds, where they discovered a passion for cycling and built a wooden bicycle.
- The author embarked on a cycling journey from John o’Groats to the south of England, facing challenges and relying on the kindness of strangers for support and accommodation.
- Along the way, the author raised funds for Age UK and Mekedonia, an Ethiopian charity, and formed connections with people from different backgrounds.
- The journey helped the author to rediscover their sense of community and feel a sense of belonging in their new home.
Introduction to a Life-Changing Journey
The author of this story moved to England from Ethiopia eight years ago, leaving behind a close-knit family and community. As they settled into a new life in London, studying for a biochemistry degree at Imperial College London, they began to feel a sense of isolation and disconnection from their cultural roots. The monotony of their daily routine and the lack of family-centered lifestyle they were used to in Ethiopia took a toll on their mental and emotional well-being. In an effort to break free from this routine and reconnect with their sense of identity, the author decided to take a 12-month break and move to Leeds, where they could try new things and explore new experiences.
Discovering a New Passion for Cycling
During their time in Leeds, the author discovered a passion for cycling, which became a pivotal part of their journey. They bought a bike from a charity shop, which was initially met with amusement from their friends, who donated a larger bike to them. The bike had been sitting in a garden for two years and required significant repairs, which the author undertook with the help of a local repair shop. The author also joined a community-run workshop called the Hackspace, where they built a wooden bicycle using recycled materials, including an old flip-flop for the brake. This newfound passion for cycling opened up new possibilities and adventures for the author, including a suggestion from the Hackspace’s director, Mark, to cycle from John o’Groats to the south of England.
Embarking on a Life-Changing Adventure
The author embarked on their cycling journey with little planning or preparation, hoping to figure things out as they went along. The first few nights were challenging, with the author struggling to find shelter and facing harsh weather conditions. Despite these difficulties, the author persevered, relying on the kindness of strangers for support and accommodation. As they traveled through remote areas, they met elderly and isolated individuals who were eager to help, inspiring the author to use their journey to fundraise for Age UK and Mekedonia, an Ethiopian charity for vulnerable people. The author’s journey was not without its challenges, including encounters with racism and difficult weather conditions, but they were consistently met with kindness and generosity from the people they met along the way.
The Power of Human Connection
Throughout their journey, the author formed connections with people from different backgrounds, including a DJ who discovered their videos on TikTok and sent them money for hotel stays. The author was invited into homes, garages, village halls, and even barns to stay, and they met people who were willing to help them in return for their stories and company. The wooden bicycle became a conversation starter, with locals gathering to take pictures and donate to the author’s fundraiser. The author’s experience was a powerful reminder of the importance of human connection and community, and the ways in which strangers can become like family. As the author reflected on their journey, they realized that it was not their resilience or determination that had carried them through, but the kindness of strangers who had supported and encouraged them along the way.
A Journey of Self-Discovery and Growth
The author’s journey was not just a physical adventure, but a journey of self-discovery and growth. As they traveled through new landscapes and met new people, they began to reconnect with their sense of identity and cultural heritage. The author’s experience was a powerful reminder of the importance of taking risks and trying new things, and the ways in which these experiences can shape and transform us. As the author looked back on their journey, they realized that it had given them a newfound sense of confidence and purpose, and a deeper appreciation for the kindness and generosity of strangers. The author’s story is a testament to the power of human connection and the importance of community, and a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is always the possibility for growth, transformation, and connection.