Being an international student: Season 2
Tears streamed down my face when I bid goodbye to my family and friends at the airport when I moved to the USA for my undergraduate studies at UC, Irvine. It was my first time moving away from home and as exciting as it was, it was equally nerve-wracking. The first few days were definitely difficult. As a 17-year-old, I was all by myself in this unknown country trying to navigate not just my academic and social life but also my adult life (managing bills and payments). However, as the days passed, I settled in. But the FOMO was very real when I saw my dear ones get together on various occasions through social media and pictures. And the homesickness hit me like a truck when it was time for my favorite festival. However, hanging out with my friends who are now my family at UCI always helped cheer me up. Getting involved on campus and joining the different organizations added to my experience at UCI. Additionally, one thing I learned is that it is essential to make the best of every passing moment in the present instead of sulking around and crying about the what-ifs. Hence, we came up with our own traditions for every festival we all spent away from home as international students. Honestly, the memories I made there are carved deep into my heart, and I wouldn’t trade them for anything.
After a wonderful four years of undergraduate studies at UCI, I went back home and graduated via my TV screen and a recorded video that said my name out loud, courtesy of the pandemic. However, I always knew that I wanted to pursue my master’s degree and started working towards it while simultaneously handling my own business. When I received my acceptance letter from USC, I was on cloud nine, elated beyond measure. Oh, the excitement I felt was unreal. Of course, I went through the emotional roller coaster, but it was easier to deal with.
When I came here, I knew exactly what I needed to do in order to get my bank account set up, I knew that it was always better to ask for help than to figure things out by myself. The homesickness overall was really less, but it hit me the same when my favorite festival came; I guess some things never change. Setting up my apartment was an easier process. I suggested to my roommates that we divide the household chores in order to avoid any fights in the long run because that happened with my old roommates, and touchwood it has worked wonders for us. I am a better, stronger, and much more mature version of myself as compared to who I was when I came for my undergraduate studies. I am making memories and creating traditions of my own. I am looking forward to my journey at USC more than ever and I love every passing moment here!
