At eighteen, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery. Leaving home to pursue my bachelor’s degree abroad marked the beginning of not just a new chapter, but a whole new book. It’s crazy how someday I left my home and my family forever. Never again will I live with my family like I did. The moments I lived in, vivid and crystal clear, are now a distant memory I reminisce about. I’ll always come back as the daughter studying abroad, as the guest in their own home.
It seems like ages ago that I said goodbye to my family as I left to press play on a new life that waits for me. I’ll never forget the way my dad hugged me before we parted ways at the airport. The known to be big, tough, and protective man, a sobbing mess in his eldest daughter’s embrace as she bids her farewell. It’s bittersweet, as he can’t wait to see her flourish into the smart young woman she is, yet it pains him to say goodbye.
As I boarded the plane, my heart swelled with the weight of farewell. Yet, amidst the tears and goodbyes, there was a flicker of anticipation—a glimmer of hope that whispered of new beginnings and uncharted horizons.
The transition from the comfort of my home to the four walled dorm room was nothing short of daunting, but I was very excited to live on my own terms and follow my own routine. The once bustling rooms of my family home got replaced by the solitude of a cramped dorm room, the shouts of laughter from my four siblings by the buzz of students on university grounds. And yet, I found solace in the presence of myself. To be honest, it was my first time sitting with myself and her only. I grew up with noise and chaos, never peace and loneliness. Hence why I was looking forward to peeling my own layers and understanding who I really am.
Before university, I often felt lost in a sea of uncertainty and doubt. But through the experience of living alone for the first time, I found myself. I discovered strength in vulnerability and courage in the face of fear. I learned how to cook and discovered I’m surprisingly good at it! I recreate my mom’s recipes and feel the warmth of the delicious, homey, aroma in my kitchenette, a smell that I didn’t realize I’ve missed so much after leaving home. Cooking started as a chore to live but flourished into a skill I enjoy. My passion for books never really left, it blooms day by day! I continue to collect old pieces of literature, visit book bazaars, and read as many novels as I can, I even found friends that share their love for reading with me, a mini reading community if you must.
Speaking of friends, I found the best ones on the way! They aren’t just companions in college but kindred spirits who shared their journeys with mine. Together we forged unbreakable bonds. Our friendship bloomed in the study stations and libraries where we not only shared class material and notes but laughter and encouragement as well. We celebrate our successes, milestones, and birthdays. We create our own traditions and rituals—girls nights filled with laughter and gossip, fun outings and cafe visits on the daily, and cooking nights every now and then. In their company, the weight of homesickness feels lighter. They’re my chosen family in a place far from home.
Most importantly, I’m enjoying my degree! I came here in the pursuit of knowledge after all. Studying pharmacy became not just a degree I need to finish, but a major part of my journey of self-discovery. With each passing semester, my academic endeavors pave the way for newfound confidence and self-assurance. It’s a very challenging degree and I have a long way to go still, but I’m enjoying every part of it as I’m feeding the love I have for medical sciences. I volunteer at various events and apply for as many courses as I can. And as I now earned my place on the faculty’s honor roll, I realized that the path to self-discovery is one worth taking.
Leaving home at eighteen to pursue my BPharm degree abroad is a decision that pushed me out of my comfort zone and threw me in the face of adulting. But it was also a decision that opened doors to endless possibilities, a decision that set me on a path of finding who I am and starting my personal growth journey. And as I look back at the rough start and mixed feelings I had at the beginning, I am filled with gratitude for every moment that brought me to who I am today. Also, I’m halfway through with my degree already, I can’t wait to see what comes next. Research papers? Recommendation letters? First car? Goodbye tiny dorm room? Who knows! But I can’t wait to embrace the rest of my journey and discover where life leads me next.
Yasmeen Masoud
I hope u grow up as a reliable adult , and I know u will ,I hope the future that awaits you is full of growth