Distance never felt so good
To my Home Away from Home,
It’s been two months since I moved and I think it’s time we had a little heart to heart. I suppose you want me to start off by saying how much I regret leaving the familiarity, the memories I made, my friends, but most importantly, the place I called home for the past 18 years. And you’re right, there were times when these thoughts crossed my mind. But today I am here to thank you for giving me the best two months of my life.
I should begin to tell you that August 20, 2016 was the first time I cried when I saw the “Welcome to New York” sign disappear behind me. I never would have thought I would get so emotional from a silly sign on the highway. But do you blame me? I was leaving the place that I called home for the past 18 years and entering a world where I had no attachment. I would be lying if I said I didn’t want to turn back, but I knew it was too late and I had to just face reality.
I will admit, the first few weeks in college were rough and very hard to adjust to. I remember in the first few weeks, I would call up my mom, crying, saying that nobody wanted to be my friend or how much the bagels and pizza here in DC were incomparable to NY bagels and pizza (yes, I am one of those people). I would constantly text my friends back home saying how much I missed having them around and how I wish I was with them. In general, I just thought the feeling of homesickness would never go away and truthfully, I thought I was going to have a horrible college experience. But, somehow I still gave you a chance and you took that chance to prove me wrong.
It wasn’t until about the fourth week in college where I met the group of people who I now consider one of my best friends. Since then, we have been inseparable and we are taking on our new home by storm and, to be honest, it has been the best time of my life.
I thought my happiness was only apparent to myself but it has been noticed by everyone. I visited home a couple of weeks ago, and everyone said the same thing to me “you look so good” or “you look a lot more relaxed.” At first, these statements confused me because I thought I was the same person physically as when I left college. But then as I thought about what people had said and I realized what everybody meant, and that I was a lot happier than I was at home. Don’t get me wrong, I love the place I grew up in, but now I found my new place in the world.
To everyone who is in the same position as me, believe me when I say this: moving away from home is the best decision I have ever made. Sure, there are times when I miss home cooked meals, or the conversations I have had with the people I have known for my whole life, but that will all still be there. The experiences you have waiting for you in a new city, a new town, or a new place are once in a lifetime opportunities that you may not have the chance to ever have again. So, don’t be afraid to let go because in the end, it will all be worth it. As for my new home, all I have left to say to you is thank you. Because of you, I have met the most incredible people, explored one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and most importantly, been the happiest I have ever been.
Sincerely,
A no longer homesick girl
