What memories do you have of Gaztelueta, what impact has the school had on your professional development...? We gather, from the experience of our former students, a reflection on the impact of Gaztelueta on their personal and professional career. Today we meet...
Full name and promotionBruno Bicárregui Sánchez. Promotion 58.
Where do you live and since when? In Glasgow, Scotland. From January 2022.
What do you do? Smart Grid Engineer at Scottish Power.
What are the most positive and the most negative things about this country and its citizens? There are many reasons that have captivated me about this country. I would mainly highlight the many similarities I find between Scotland and the Basque Country. The climate, the landscape, the culture... and the people, who are very welcoming in general, which makes me feel close to home.
However, if there is one thing that has been difficult for me to adapt to, it is the timetable. Here the day ends early. Not only because of the lack of light (in winter it gets dark at 4pm), but also because the shops and cafés also close their shutters at 6pm. Although that doesn't mean that life is over, it also marks the time when you can go to the pubs.
When was the last time you visited Gaztelueta? More than two years ago, in the pre-pandemic era. Probably to have a football "pachanga" with friends. In any case, I'm planning a visit with several teachers for when I go back to Bilbao for a few days.
Any memories, anecdotes or adventures that you remember especially from your school days? It is very difficult for me to identify one in particular. Gaztelueta was the place where I grew up for 12 years, so a large part of my childhood memories I place and relate to the school.
Looking back, I remember with special affection all the excursions we used to go on... What nerves the day before! Nor will I forget those sports classes and their championships, like the first Ganeko Trail or the Director's Trophy. I still proudly keep a couple of trophies and medals on the shelves in my room.
How do you think it is noticeable that you are a Gaztelueta alumnus? Any special traits or characteristics? As cliché as it may sound, I would like to highlight the values instilled by the teaching staff. These principles are very characteristic of the school, and you can feel them as soon as you meet a former pupil.
Personally, I would like to highlight that of friendship, in which despite the passing of the years and the fact that there are many of us, we maintain close and daily contact between classmates, something that I know is common and characteristic of Gaztelueta alumni. I feel very fortunate to still have the same group of friends as at school.
Are you going back to live in Spain or Bilbao? Of course! Leaving Bilbao has made me realise even more how privileged we are. Bilbao is my home, and where I want to settle down once these years abroad are over.
A message for alumni? I would like to send a big hug to all my classmates and teachers with whom I was able to share experiences at the school. It is an honour and a privilege to have studied at Gaztelueta and to be part of the alumni: ¡Aupa Gaztelueta!
