Sitting here on my bed, in Calcutta, India, I am realizing how fast the past five months studying abroad went by. Now believe it or not, I miss my cooking. Through this experience, my routine also got better. Normally I always miss my breakfast, study for my exams one day before, pull all-nighters, and skip working out. I wouldn’t take time to understand what my body was saying to me. I feel like this is normal in college, but it shouldn’t be.
Many people would leave home for the first time to study abroad. For me, this was the second time. When I first left to go to Wellington for my study abroad program, I thought it would be a lot like my experience in America, but it wasn’t. Our orientation started in Auckland with a small group of 30 people. I met some really amazing, diverse people who loved traveling as much as I did. We traveled for a bit around the North Island and I already felt a sense of home. I knew I would be fine. Everyone was so warm and caring.
When I got to Wellington, however, everything went haywire. I didn’t know what was going on. Our orientation group split up and everyone found their own herd. Needless to say I was new to this place but also new to the different culture. I always lived in a dorm in college, with my friends just two doors down. Here, I was on my own. I had to cook my own food and shop for groceries, which I had never done before either. I also didn’t have a job which felt so weird as I had more free time, and I didn’t know what to do with it. I had two Chinese flatmates who were also new to Wellington but also new to living in a prominently English-speaking country. We had a lot of language barriers and nothing in common, but now I miss them so much.
Slowly, I started branching out, joined clubs, talked to a new person in class every day and started to just be. Walking through the city was one of my favorite things but also very dangerous as I am a shopaholic and everything was so unique. My favorite place was the Botanical Garden. It was a quick two minute walk from my house. I would love getting lost there for a couple of hours. Finally, I found my place.
Slowly Wellington became home.
I miss the sunlight coming through my beautiful wide windows, the RA’s cat strolling by, the smell coming from the kitchen of amazing Chinese food, the very scary storms, getting drenched in the rain, the wind hitting against the window or even the random earthquakes now and then. I miss coming back from a tiring day and talking to my beautiful roommates.
Mostly I miss just taking off for the weekends. Not knowing where I am going or what I am doing or where I am going to stay. Normally I would be really particular and always have a game plan. Not this time. I would just stop wherever I wanted, do whatever I felt like. Whether it was skydiving, scuba diving, shark diving, jumping off waterfalls, surfing or even bungee jumping, New Zealand has so many opportunities for adventure. I am not much of a hiker, but I even enjoyed a few of the hikes. It made me more of an adrenaline junky than I already was.
My study abroad taught me so many things. It was an eye opener, changing my way of thinking and bringing out who I really am. New Zealand taught me to be comfortable in my own skin. It taught me that it was fine to have thoughts, to have conversations with yourself. It helped me understand myself better and know what I like and enjoy. It taught me to step outside my comfort zone. It taught me how to be myself. How to just pick up and leave for a new adventure. New Zealand became the place where I didn’t really talk to many people from my university. But I met so many people while traveling. I interacted with many travelers and somewhat nomads. Those whom would always hold a special place in my life.
From something simple as learning how to cook to reading maps to being able to ask for help. Also taking help when offered, which is actually more difficult than I thought. Learning how to travel alone. Making new friends. Anywhere and everywhere. Even if you won't ever see them again. I also started keeping up with the news. Something I’ve always wanted to do but never got the time. I learned how to save money, pack lightly. Found my love for art while scrolling through art galleries. Learned how to be responsible for myself. I also acquired so much knowledge about Chinese culture and traditions. My Chinese roommates broke all the stereotypes that I had known when I was a child. Someone once told me that if I didn’t want to do something I didn’t have to. That really stuck with me. I didn’t know how to say no and stand up for my views. Now I do that, and do it often! Finally, I understood the difference between a "traveler" and a "tourist".
Most importantly I learned that college isn’t only about partying, studying and working. But it’s also a journey. A journey of self-discovery. It teaches you about yourself. And moreover, how to be the best version of ourselves.
Thank you New Zealand for the adventure, the huge hills, laughs, the fun and all peace and quiet that I needed! For making me more a travel bug. You have a huge place in my heart that will never be replaced.
