I write in sunshine; blue skies surround me and I exist in an air of true bliss. I have made it to Bali. I surely thought the day would never arrive, but break is here and I have made it. I am so content with the fact that I worked hard enough to get here that I am less heartbroken over the work I must do while sitting in paradise. I have two essays due while I am away, having received an extension on the assignments. I receive extensions on anything I need due to my mental health status. I think that the existence of such perks is so valuable I don’t know how to phrase it. I am blessed to have landed myself in a place so considerate and understanding; it is everyone and everything and I never want to go back. I think Australia has opened its arms to me and I don’t want to ever look back.
Bali, strangely enough, has shown me this. Bali, though a paradise, makes me miss going home. Not to Rollins, though. It makes me want to return to Aussie accents and Macca’s and even stupid Harry with his meat pies. I have found a home here, however temporary. I am lucky for that. Among studies and the rut that is academia I have established a home, a feat that was far from easy and that I am proud to say I accomplished. I am succeeding in my long-distance relationship, despite the difficulties—it makes me believe even more I have carved out a little piece of the world for myself in this old mining town. I am very lucky for this. Understanding that I can be successful so far away from what I know forces me to do something new—trust myself.
I am being forced to believe in my own capabilities and to trust in the idea that I am capable, even when detached from every single comfort I have ever known. I came here alone; how magnificent that I have made friends and even crafted a small family here! Studying abroad, in the very least, is crafting me into being a true adult; not relying on anyone for things, but ensuring that I can solve my own problems. Not to say help isn’t incredibly valuable and often used, but that I know I have to fall back on myself. Thank you, Australia.