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I Will Never Be Sorry For Studying Abroad, Despite Your Jealousy

Travel is never a matter of money, but more so a matter of courage.

Shaylie Woodford

Mar 19, 2019

University of North Dakota

155

I Will Never Be Sorry For Studying Abroad, Despite Your Jealousy

Photo by Slava Bowman on Unsplash

One thing that I have learned since being abroad is that I had to start living my life unapologetically for me. This meant that I would do the things that I wanted and when I wanted and I didn't owe anyone an explanation as to why I was doing what I'm doing or how I got to do the things that I do. I have learned that there are some things in life you should apologize for, but studying abroad is not one of them.

I am not sorry that my parents pushed me to study abroad so that I could gain confidence in myself. I am not sorry that my parents financially supported me the first month that I was abroad. I am not sorry that I travel somewhere new every week. I am not sorry that I am making my own dreams come true every day before my eyes. I am not sorry that I am living the life of my dreams. I am not sorry I am studying abroad on a scholarship. I am not sorry that my life is 'better' (your words, not mine) than yours. I am not sorry that I have been able to ride camels on the coast of Africa, scooter through Paris, and ride bikes through the countryside of Amsterdam. I am not sorry for anything.

I am not sorry for anything I am accomplishing abroad because everything I do abroad, I do for me. I do these things abroad to fill my tank of life, to cross things off of my bucket list, to make me happy. I live my life to make myself happy, now. And I am so sorry that you are struggling with watching my life my best life. I am sorry that you can't handle the thought of me thriving. I am sorry that you can't be supportive and that you let your jealousy take over and uproot our friendship.

There are some things that I will never have to apologize for doing in life and bettering myself by traveling isn't one of those things. Studying abroad has taught me things no textbook will ever be able to do. I have learned things that no teacher could ever teach me, that no mentor could ever prepare me for. I am learning every day, new things about me and I'm learning these things on my own, in a new country because you can't teach me anything about me. The only person who can teach me about me and my potential is me, and traveling the world allows me to do this. Everything I do abroad, I do selflessly and I wish you had the opportunity to do the same.

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I Will Never Be Sorry For Studying Abroad, Despite Your Jealousy

Travel is never a matter of money, but more so a matter of courage.

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It's Been a Long Winter Break

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2. Stop using the words "opposite sex" or "both sexes" or "opposite gender" or "both genders".

3. Ask people's pronouns when you meet them.

4. Use the word cisgender.

5. Stop saying "born a boy/girl" about a transgender or non-binary person.

6. Stop using the term 'preferred pronouns'.

7. Stop using a transgender or non-binary person's dead name.

Sometimes, we just can't help the feelings we have

1. Wow. My voice sounds amazing with this song.

2. Okay, if you can't sing, don't do it.

3. But wait, I don't think I can be friends with someone who isn't going to jam out in the car with me.

4. Dance part in the car! Even when I'm alone. Because every song is my favorite.

5. Stop light. Act calm. Be cool.

6. Yes! Green light! Back at it!

7. I don't know this song, but I'm going to sing along anyway.

8. Why am I not famous yet?

9. Being next to someone who can't sing so you feel good about yourself because you rock!

10. OK, I'm so good. I need to sing louder so I can help these people out.

11. My voice doesn't reach some of those notes, maybe I should sit this one out.

12. Randomly bursting out in song and getting weird looks because of it.

13. God, thank you so much for giving me a good voice.

14. Man, I feel bad for people who can't sing.

15. Was I just humming? Did they hear me?

16. Having dance moves to go along with most songs.

17. Not being able to stop yourself at correcting people when they mess up.

18. Maybe I should post myself singing.

19. Nah, can't do it. Dumb idea.

20. Having my own personal concert in the shower. Every single time.

Normal people wouldn't understand

1. Having time to nap between classes or at all.

2. Waking up 10 minutes before your class starts and making it there in time.

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4. Only having to hit the snooze button three times.

5. When you didn't do the homework and the teacher decides not to collect it for that day.

6. Getting that "I'm sorry, but class is cancelled" email.

7. Finding a quiet seat in the library.

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9. Having a friend to eat lunch with.

10. Finishing an assignment before the due date.

11. When there is free food on campus.

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4. You work so much you don't have time to spend the money you're making.

5. You're too tired to function when you aren't working.

6. Finally seeing your friends and having way too much to catch up on.

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