Moving to a new country at a young age was a jolting experience for me. The transition brought about a culture shock, but in hindsight, it turned out to be the best decision I’ve ever made. Over the course of eight years in Germany, I not only adapted to the culture but also became fluent in the language.
Interacting with Germans, I found them to be direct and organized individuals, which was quite intriguing. While learning the language, my teammates would tease not only me but also other South Americans. This banter often involved being taught swear words, a common occurrence in the dressing room.
Fortunately, I was able to adapt quickly, partly due to living with a doctor and a school principal initially, which provided me with a strong foundation and valuable life lessons.