Heartbreak. That word alone might seem like this is one of those articles about the end of a relationship. And you would be right. But this relationship didn't end by choice.
This is a story about a girl who met the love of her life but the timing was all wrong. Ever been in a relationship where they felt like home and you always felt so safe and secure? That was the extent of my relationship with a place I called home, a place called Hawaii.
Most people I talk with imagine Hawaii as this paradise island where everyone is always happy, the sun always shines and everything is perfect. Life wasn't just visiting the beach and getting my tan on, I was there to get my degree and live (for some period of time) on this beautiful island. But unfortunately, life has a way of thwarting even the most innocent of plans.
I met some of the greatest humans who came into my life when I needed them the most. Some of my strongest relationships were forged in this place. And though we may not speak for long periods of time, when I'm at my lowest, I can pick up the phone and trust those friends will be there for me. My dream to study in Hawaii came to an abrupt end when the cost of college became too much to handle. Then came the difficult decision to leave. But how could I return back to a place that never felt like home to me? There's that saying "Home is where the heart is" and Hawaii was my heart.
Once I returned home things seem fine for the most part, I was back with my wonderful family who I had missed but something was missing. It wasn't until some time had passed that homesickness started to kick in. It wasn't just the blues over missing my friends and life there, it was genuine feelings of hurt, disappointment and anger. Angry that my life suddenly shifted without my permission and that there was nothing I could do to stop it. Then began the dark period in my life where even the simplest things I enjoyed became less enjoyable. It took some time but eventually I was able to get out of that dark place and learned to live again.
Without leaving Hawaii and seemingly putting my life on hold, I wouldn't have met the wonderful people here at Kennesaw. Life really has a way of righting itself and I couldn't be happier to be here.
To this day, I can't explain why Hawaii meant so much to me because people wouldn't understand. Hawaii is more than just a island, it's a place where if you allow it, can change your life for the better. You learn to appreciate life much more fully, appreciate the land more fully, and appreciate people more fully.
It's kind of a magical place and something I will always carry with me. I can never forget my time there and though two years have come and gone, that ache of loss still hasn't left me.