I am very grateful I was able to get the opportunity to study abroad. Many of upperclassmen regretted not being able to study abroad because of the pandemic cancelling the program and highly recommended I do so if I got the chance. I’m very lucky I am able to do it before I finish school like they recommended.
In Korean, there are two forms of saying goodbye. One, if you are leaving, and two, if you are staying in place; 안녕히 가세요 (annyeonghi gaseyo) and 안녕히 계세요 (annyeonghi gyeseyo). But even though I’m leaving, I feel like a significant part of me will always still be here and I will always carry on the experiences I’ve had, the people I’ve met, and the memories I’ve made. One of my friends described studying abroad in a manner I really like. She says exchange is how you would’ve built your life if you had no commitment. No money. No jobs. No permanence. It a short chapter in your life that is your perfect life.
I really like the way she put it and empathize very closely. To me, studying abroad felt like healing my inner child and really finding myself. It was full of chaos and fun and it’s bittersweet that it is coming to an end. But I’ll always be glad that chapter was a part of my life while I go on to the next chapter. On to the next!
Similarly to how my alumni have inspired me about studying abroad, I hope many of you have been inspired to study abroad from my journals! If even one person decides to study abroad from these journals, I’ll be so happy and honored I made an impact and contributed to that choice. Goodbye and thank you for sticking with me throughout this journey.
