Meet Rachelle-Mae Gilbuena from Surrey, England, who moved to the States two years ago.
Was there a particular reason you chose LA?
My mum got a job offer here and all our family is based in LA.
What do you miss most from home?
I miss all my long-time friends I’ve known all my life and just the aspect of the culture in Britain.
What was your first impression of LA and has it changed since?
My first impression of LA was that it was much more chaotic everywhere and there’s always a lot going on! But the people here are very friendly and living here has been great so far!
What do you find the biggest difference is living here versus Surrey?
Surrey is much more quiet and everyone knows each other in the area. There’s not much to do. In LA there’s always something new to do every day and the weather’s a plus!
What would you suggest to others who are thinking about making the move here?
To others who are thinking to move to the big city of LA, I would definitely say it’s a change and it could be a hard transition at times, but the new changes you could experience are worthwhile! I found and joined SM Spirits Netball Club a few months ago, which has helped the transition. I haven’t played netball for almost two years, so I was definitely anxious to start playing it again. But everyone was so welcoming on my first training and made me feel part of the team straight away! All the ladies definitely encourage each other and it’s a great surrounding to play around, whether it’s just for fun or competitively. I’m always looking forward to playing netball with this amazing team!
Lots of our members join our group Brits in LA seeking out words of wisdom – what is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
The best advice I’ve been given is definitely ” It will get better.” Starting school here at first was very difficult, with all the new curriculum and trying to make friends, but two years later I couldn’t be happier about living here. It just takes time.
