From Mississippi to Madrid

¡Hola! 

My name is Katie Grisham, and I am from Ripley, Mississippi. In May of 2025, I graduated from Mississippi State University with a Bachelor's in Fashion Design & Merchandising. Over the summer, I worked as a Design & Concept Intern for Weissman, a dancewear and costume company based out of St. Louis, Missouri. 

Deciding to teach abroad was both the easiest and hardest decision I have ever made. I first heard about the program through a friend of a friend. Moving to another country, trying new things, and stepping out of my comfort zone all sounded like a dream to me. I knew from that moment that this was something that I had to pursue. 

However, it is much easier said than done. To do all of these things, I would have to leave behind family, friends, my career, and everything I know and love. I wrestled with this decision for many months. Doubt crept in a lot. What if I got there and it wasn't worth it? I never imagined myself as a teacher. What if pausing the career I barely started was a mistake? 

In the end, I knew in my heart what the best decision for me was. I knew this was something that I had to try, or else I would spend forever regretting it. When I finally submitted my paperwork and fully committed to the idea of moving abroad, I felt such peace about it that there was no question this was the path that I was meant to follow.

After a long process of paperwork and prayer, on September 15th, I arrived in Madrid to begin my journey as an English Language Assistant. Previously, I had never even been to Spain before. I walked off the plane with my whole life packed into two suitcases and a tremendous amount of hope for the adventure that lies ahead of me. 

Today, it has been just over a month since I moved to Spain. I am shocked at how quickly this place has felt like home. I am finally feeling settled and adjusting to my new routine. I have already made so many amazing friends and memories. I am proud of all that I have accomplished in this short time, and I am thankful to myself for taking this leap of faith. I am excited to share more of my experience through this blog, and I cannot wait for all of the adventures to come. 

With love from Madrid,

Katie