I can’t believe I am saying this, but almost 10 years ago, I moved to Manchester to start my undergraduate studies. I began my journey with a Bachelor of Science in Fashion Buying and Merchandising with a year in industry too. I look back now realising this was the best thing I could have done for myself. While I am originally from only down the road in Cheshire and having known Manchester before, this place has become my home and has a special place in my heart. I have written this post to reflect on some of the things I have learned and favourite moments of being in this city for almost a decade.
City part of something bigger
I moved here from a rural village, always knowing I wanted to be in a place with more things going on and opportunities…and with public transport that actually exists. Though I still realise it isn’t a vast city in terms of the centre, the sprawl and activity happening across the different areas of the city and the suburbs make me really excited to try different things and be a part of Manchester. I re-found my love as a music artist in the last couple of years being here and happily finding multiple opportunities to perform within the wonderful communities that exist in many different pockets.
Growing so much
Manchester has transformed who I am, I have grown so much as a person – to those who know me, I don’t mean in height. Being here, I have learned so much about myself more than any other place I have visited and considered being. My values and wants for the future have changed multiple times, yet nothing I have done feels wasted. I just know where I am headed now more than I ever have. I enjoy cooking for myself and others and feel so proud to have personal independence that I once really feared prior to coming to the city for university.
Life happening
Throughout my studies and working time in Manchester, I have faced a lot of adversities. Mental health, ADHD diagnosis, cancer scares of myself and cancer diagnoses of those close to me, people coming onto then leaving my path, working in teams that I don’t fit in for long periods of time…plenty. I am not a fan of the term resilience, but I am really proud of myself for having worked through and managing my mind during some really difficult experiences. This place has both given me the calm and the right amount of noise I needed when times have been tough. I have been able to be somewhere or with others in Manchester to work through or take my mind off things.
I wanted to share this short and not very specific reflection of my time in Manchester to try to encapsulate some of the reflections I have looking back on my time in Manchester (so far, I don’t plan on leaving for a while!). Whether you are familiar with or brand new to here, I hope you find a place, community, or mark of yours while you are here and that you find what you need and want during your time in Manchester.