When I was young people around me told me that the further west on the map country is, the wealthiest and more free people live there without any conflict bothering them. With USA (the west-most country on map) as a shiny utopia with everyone peacefully living there being rich and free.

When I was a teen and my country joined EU I saw countless young adults emigrate west, seeking wealth and freedom beyond anyone’s wildest dreams. Terrorists and oppressive regimes waged war in the eastern lands.

When I am an adult, the supposed peacekeeper of the world is waging wars to protect pedophiles. Former empire where sun never sets is trying to outlaw being young and sell their citizens data to highest bidder. And EU is bi-yearly trying to pass universal invigilation act.

I feel like my moral compass never really changed, it’s just the world around me that changed beyond recognition. I worry how it will be when I get old, if I even get to live to old age.

Hang in there, buddy, it’s rough but we are all in this together.