Setting Out into the Unknown

The First Steps

It all began rather unremarkably when I was in my final year of school. The shy 17-year-old Maja was sitting one evening, as she did almost every evening, on her phone, scrolling through TikTok. Among the countless travel videos that always inspired her, there was one that would change her life forever. It was a video about DiscoverEU.

But what is DiscoverEU?

DiscoverEU is an initiative by the European Union that offers young people aged 18 the opportunity to explore Europe. With a free Interrail ticket, the winners can travel through various European countries within a specific period. The program aims to foster understanding and connection between European cultures by giving young people the chance to experience other countries, people, and cultures firsthand.

I signed up immediately and only told my parents afterward. I don’t think any of us really believed I would win the ticket. Not even I did, but I thought, why not just try? And that was one of the best decisions of my young life.

I registered in April 2022, and a little over a month later, when I had almost forgotten about it, the email arrived. I was sitting in the car with my dad at that moment. I read the email: “Congratulations! You have been selected!” and immediately started crying with joy. My father had just finished a phone call and asked me what was going on. I was too excited to speak, but after a moment of silence, I told him. He was very happy and said, “Okay, now you have to calmly explain to me what this means.” I explained it to him, and he fully supported me.

Through tears of joy, I called my mother to tell her the incredible news, but her initial reaction was far from enthusiastic, as she was very worried that I, her youngest and only daughter, wanted to travel through Europe all alone. She almost wanted to forbid it. Today, two years later, I understand her fear, but at that moment, it made me very sad. However, on the day of my departure, she took me to the train, which meant a lot to me.

Since my parents preferred that I travel close to Poland and Germany, I decided on a two-week solo trip through Switzerland, Italy, Austria, the Czech Republic, and Poland. Looking back, I wouldn’t have changed a thing because this trip completely transformed my life and made me much more confident. Above all, it showed me for the first time: If I want something with all my heart, I can achieve it, no matter what obstacles are in my way.