Text. Facebook message. WhatsApp. Skype. FaceTime. Phone call. As a millennial there are seemingly endless ways to stay in touch with our loved ones.
Then when abroad there are a number of factors that get in the way of 21st century conveniences. The time difference throws off the normal rhythm of conversation. Then the absurd price of an international phone plan makes your once indispensable smart phone obsolete in your new country. The list of curve balls goes on and on.
As we go in different directions in our lives it is easy to make excuses for falling out of touch with different people. Yet our relationships are the most important aspects of our lives, and without them the world can become a very lonely place.
Back in the United States I bounce back and forth between Chicago, IL and Pittsburgh, PA (the former being the location of my university and the latter being my hometown). The two wonderful cities are 500+ miles apart which makes seeing my friends a little difficult at times. However, not once has it stopped me from being there for any of my friends.
Since I am able to see them every so often and am blessed with opportunities to talk to them on the regular, I never got to feel what it’s like to actually miss them all like I do now. The many obstacles that get in the way of allowing me to talk to them can be so very frustrating.
From my personal experiences abroad I have been swept up in complete bliss with all the new people and exciting things while still feeling as if something is not quite right. My friends are my family and when they are not with me there is a part of me that is missing.
Throughout this semester of study abroad I have been meeting countless new people from places I could have never imagined having friends from. This has made me realize that my friends abroad are just as important if not more important than friends back home.
When entering a new country you are away from everything routine and this can be shocking to many people. The new friends that you make can lift you up when you feel homesick, help you adapt to the new lifestyle, and expose you to a new way of looking at the world.
I like to think I know more than I actually do, but being around these new people from all corners of the globe has been enlightening and eyeopening for this cynical and stubborn 21 year old. I cannot being to thank them enough for that.
Your new friends abroad will teach you about the world, but the absence of your friends at home will teach you a lot about yourself.
Your stronger friendships will persevere as others will falter and possibly fade away. How you react to all this will be a growing experience. I have learned much about myself from all of it and do not regret a second of it.
Steady contact with your friends at home while still exploring with new friends is vital. The balance is difficult to maintain, but as you put more effort into it you will see beautiful results
To all my friends in the States, I adore you and cannot wait to be reunited. To my new friends here, welcome to the family and I hope to have many more experiences with you after this semester is over.