My journey in this country ends in a little over two weeks, and it is such a bittersweet thought. The goodbyes have already begun, with many friends parting ways, and it gets harder each time. Recently I dropped my adventure-buddy and closest friend, Mar, off at the airport for her to continue traveling Oceania before she returns home to the Netherlands. I thought I was going to be able to keep my cool when saying goodbye, but we both broke down in hysterics in the middle of the airport parking lot. Not exactly keeping our cool.
I hate goodbyes. I think the hardest part about saying goodbye here is the simple idea of not knowing when the next time I will see some of these people again. People I have shared so many laughs, memories and adventures with these past 4.5 months. People I have become so close with, spent almost every day with. But I guess that comes with everything in life. You never know if goodbye means forever. Personally, I prefer "see ya later." But it is hard to say "see ya later" in these situations. In the midst of all of these goodbyes, my parents are coming to visit me for the last 10 days I am here. I am so beyond excited to spend time with them and to show them what I have been up to in this amazing country. For the longest time I was so sad that I could not share my experiences with my family, and knowing that I finally can makes me so beyond happy. We have a full week of exciting adventures planned for my last week here - exploring all the opportunities in Victoria. On the start of my journey in Australia, I visited many places around Victoria such as Phillip Island and the Great Ocean Road. My parents and I plan on hitting these places again, and I think it is so cool to end my journey the way I started it. I cannot wait to reminisce on fond memories and rediscover the beauty of this state. It has been a while since I have traveled around Victoria, as I seem to have spent the past few months studying and exploring other states in Australia. I am equally if not more excited that we are going to take some time to spend with my family that lives here in Australia. I am really looking forward to this, and I really wish it was something I had taken advantage of sooner. It always seemed nearly impossible to manage school with traveling and unexpected plans. Looking back, I realize I was just being dramatic and stressed when there was no need to be. However, this past week has been a chill week for me. I am trying to take advantage of every opportunity to spend quality time with friends while I can, before I have to part my ways with everyone. We have been having movie nights and mall sessions and all things super-average-broke-college-student-esque. Australian college students are very similar American college students, both seeming to have a lack of funds. Walking through the halls of my suite becomes more eerie by the day. Every so often I notice my suite mates moving out of their rooms one by one, saying their goodbyes and sharing their excitement for the next school year. It is weird to me that the year is over for them and summer is here, whereas I am about to go home to a brutal winter with the upcoming spring semester moving in fast. It makes me sad knowing that they are going to see each other in a few months to continue their journey through La Trobe, while I will be thousands of miles away. Very jealous from very far away. All of this "chill" time has left a lot of room for reflection on this past semester. It definitely has not been an easy ride. I have faced many fears and adversaries. I have had many peaks amongst many lows. But, I would not trade it for the world. I feel stronger. Living on your own in a foreign country shows you what true independence is. It teaches you how to hold your own hand when no one else can. It helps break you out of your comfort zone and develop your true character. It shows you who you are. As cheesy as that all sounds, it is true. The past few months people have pointed out changes in my physical appearance - my haircut, my nose ring, my "tan" - but these are merely minimal compared to how I feel. I look back on my little scared self at the start of my journey to myself now, and I see a world of change. But, in my opinion, a change for the better. And to this semester, I am forever grateful. I am forever grateful for every hardship I have faced, for every peak I have experienced, for every memory I have made. Forever grateful for everything. Amongst the emotional goodbyes and self-reflection, I genuinely am so excited to go home. I cannot wait to see the rest of my family, my dog and all of my friends. It has been a long 4.5 months without them. I cannot wait to share my experiences with them, and reconnect with everyone. It has been so hard for me to constantly keep in contact with everyone because of the annoying 16-hour time difference and everyone's different schedules. I am also beyond stoked for the holiday season. I know adjusting to home life is going to be extremely difficult, but at least the holidays will hopefully be enough to cheer me up when I am feeling down. The past week has been a whirlwind of emotions, and I know that the next week and a half will be nothing short as well. However, I am prepared for it (or so I think I am). I say that now, but stay tuned to see how badly I fall apart (kidding, sort of). I would be lying if I did not say I am scared to see how being home will affect me. I guess only time will tell! xoxo, Samantha
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AuthorHi, I'm Sam. Welcome to my blog! Archives
September 2018
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