Reflection

It has been a little over a year since I returned. The sweet memories of my stay are still fresh in my mind. Come on, how can I forget. It was perhaps the best time of my life. Indeed I had a lot of fun there. New friends and a host family who were by my side every step of the way, what more can I ask? Boy, do I miss them alright. The 6 months stay in the ‘land of the stars’ has broadened my perspective of life. Before, I used to want things done a certain way, my way and my way only (a perfectionist I may be). It did get me far academic-wise, but I wasn’t ‘living’ life. Now, I have loosened up a little, and perhaps I am enjoying life more than I ever had. Don’t worry though; I am still me, but perhaps a little better.

The most incredible thing I ‘discovered’ about myself was that I could do more than I could ever imagine. All it takes is a little self-belief. Believe me people, with this, you could work wonders! Come on, I survived 6 months away from my beloved family and friends. It was as if I had to start new, a new chapter of my life. It was quite difficult at first I must say, but I got through it. I made wonderful new friends who until now I keep in touch with and also an awesome second family that I can rely on. So if I can do this, couldn’t you?

I also realised that whatever it is, just be yourself wherever in the world you are. I know quite a few people who has changed (for the worse) upon returning home. They have become people that are strangers to me, as if I had just met them. Come on people, who are you trying to impress? Why on earth do you have to be someone you are not, just to be accepted? There are over 6 billion people on earth. It is impossible that no one would like you for being who you are. It is fine if you absorb admirable qualities, but why do you want to be depicted as someone who is so-called a ‘bad-ass’ so you can impress? It is a wonder you know. I was in the states for the same period of time. I kept myself grounded and I thank God for that. Without His guidance I may not be the person who I am today. OK, I did let go a little here and there but you wouldn’t see me flat-out drunk, face flat on the ground in my own vomit (gross!). You see, alcohol is prohibited in the religion I am practicing. Whenever I am asked the “do you drink?” question, I always reply back by saying “for sure I do, just non-alcoholic ones though.” If they laugh, be it. I don’t care. But thankfully most people accepted me for who I am, and I am happy for that.

The journey of my life until now has been wonderful. Bittersweet I must say but hey, that is life. If all things were to go my way, it wouldn’t be called life, but a fairytale. And since life isn’t a fairytale, there must be ups and downs. Thank goodness I have extraordinary parents, and indescribable friends. Without these wonderful people in my life, I would not have been the person I am today.