Walking Across Europe: Lidia’s Story of Bold Choices and Life Lessons

December 12, 2024

Please introduce yourself and tell us about your journey since graduating from UWC.

My name is Lidia, and I’m half German, half Italian. After graduating from UWC in 2018, I spent several years in the Netherlands. Initially, I planned on pursuing academia, but higher education didn’t work out for me. I struggled with my mental health, and the years after UWC were focused on navigating that. I eventually did an apprenticeship in agriculture, which I really enjoyed, and worked as a chef in Wageningen. However, in the spring of 2024, I decided to quit my job, and together with my partner, Tiago, we set off on a long-distance hike across Europe. You can find photos and impressions from the journey here.

What inspired your decision to quit your chef job and embark on this extraordinary journey?

After spending seven years in the Netherlands, I began to feel too comfortable—too “at home” in a way that made me worried about becoming stagnant. I feared falling into the routine of working for a paycheck, seeing the same places, and meeting the same people. I realized I wanted more agency in my life. I felt like I needed to do something bold, something that was purely for me. I had been following people who had undertaken long-distance journeys, and that inspiration slowly grew into the idea of a hike. My partner was finishing his Master’s, so we decided it was the perfect time. Tiago and I planned a 5,000-km hike from my hometown in Germany to his in Portugal.

Can you share some memorable moments or challenges from your journey?

One of the challenges was mentally preparing myself to leave behind the seven years I’d spent in the Netherlands. While I was excited, it was emotionally tough, and I’m still processing some of that. A surprising realization was the level of planning that goes into a journey like this. From the outside, it looks like a carefree adventure, but in reality, there’s a lot of daily planning—where to resupply, where to put up the tent at night, and even planning for rest days while staying within our budget. It almost felt like intentional homelessness, carrying everything we needed in our backpacks. The most memorable moments for me were the sunrises—getting up early to watch the world slowly come to life, especially in the remote parts of the Italian Alps. However, the Alps also brought some of the most challenging days, particularly with the late snow, which really pushed us to our physical and mental limits.

Do you see any connections between this journey and the UWC mission?

Just like my UWC experience, this journey was turbulent. UWC taught me to adapt to new experiences and navigate the unexpected, and that was key on this hike. It was also about the people—many of whom were UWC-connected—who opened their homes and hearts to us, especially in the Czech Republic. This hospitality made me feel deeply connected to the UWC movement. In many ways, UWC prepared me to face unfamiliar experiences with an open mind and to quickly adapt to ever-changing circumstances.

How has this journey impacted you personally?

The journey taught me a lot about acceptance. When we had to stop after crossing the Alps due to recurring health issues, I initially felt like we had failed. I’ve always been someone who felt a need to push myself to go bigger and do grand things to prove my worth to the world – UWC definitely played a role in that. The hike showed me, in a very real and tangible way, that no matter how hard I push, I will always be who I am – my needs will not change if I ignore them. I learned to listen to my body and accept my limitations. It’s a lesson in self-acceptance and in recognizing that I need to live my life in a way that lets me embrace all my quirks and sensitivities.

What advice would you give to fellow alumni considering a bold or unconventional path?

It’s important to remember that if you want to do something unconventional, you are the only one who can make it happen. If you truly want it, and you’re willing to put in the work, there’s nothing stopping you. However, the journey isn’t all easy—it can be disorienting, especially after the adventure ends and you’re left to figure out the next steps. That’s something I’m grappling with right now. But despite the confusion, the experience was incredibly empowering. And don’t forget, you’re not alone—your friends and family can support you, so don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Unconventional paths are intimidating but rewarding and full of discoveries!