As I woke up getting ready to pack my suitcases into the car before heading to the airport, I began to reminisce on the past few days I’ve been here in the United States. From the farewell dinners and family gatherings; and saying my goodbyes to friends and loved ones that I won’t see for almost 4 months, it really is a bitter-sweet moment.
I am excited for the new journey I am about to embark on, as I am the first ever in my family to not just go to college but study overseas. I am truly grateful for this opportunity and am looking forward to all that is to come; from the good, to the bad, and the ugly. My family has always encouraged me to strive for the best and do what my heart desires. Thanks to the support and love from them, I am able to leave on this new experience confident and determined.
Although this will be a wonderful experience, I will truly miss my family whom I hold so close and dearly to me. I started to think about all that I will miss while I’m gone; my dad’s birthday, church, family weekend gatherings, my little sister’s basketball games… However, I know that they are all very proud and will be here to support me every step of the way!
On a side note, today is departure day and it still hasn’t hit me that I will be leaving to another country for four months! The last time I studied abroad was last year on a 10-day field study in Germany. That trip felt more like a vacation and my emotions were just full of excitement. This time, knowing that I am pretty much living overseas my emotions are lot more mixed with excitement, sadness, anxiousness, and more that I can’t even describe…but it’s all part of getting out my comfort zone and exploring a new place and a new life!
So, as I say my final goodbyes, “I will miss yous” and hugs and kisses… I will look forward to what is to come.