The Five Lessons
After I finished my final year of undergrad, I took a moment to reflect and eventually traveled somewhere unfamiliar to me. I went overseas and it changed my life. The people I met and the places I've seen were remarkable. A lot of memories that rewind in my head over and over again. It's like a movie that never gets old. Playing basketball brought me here, but it also opened the doors for my creative purpose. I began to learn about who I really was as a person.
By this, it meant that there were things that I felt that the universe brought to me over time. Through pain and pleasure, I got to experience the different elements of myself. There were times I felt like I was on top of the world. Then, there were times I felt alone and misunderstood. Being overseas will challenge you to that extent, especially when you're so far away from home.
I think it also challenged my perspective on life as well. People have their own opinions, experiences, and ideologies on Americans. They question me why I would come to England and not stay in America. They think their own country isn't even close to as good. I got asked this several times over the last couple of years. Each time I'm asked this, I began to understand why people asked me this and began to understand the ultimate truth.
The truth of the matter is that this was what I would think about before going to bed as a kid. I wanted to see the world. That's why being away from home changed me. I got to escape a lot of the negatives and create my own, new positive. That's why being in England made me happy. Because it made me feel like I was free to finally be myself and do what I wanted to do.
During my childhood, I have experienced a lot of changes and mental trauma that really impacted my growth. I was mainly shy, reserved, and felt pressured in various situations. I was bullied as well. But, I also grew stronger from basketball. With that, I gained friendships. However, not many had my best interest because the more I played, the better I got. I was a tough competitor.
With that being said, from the past until now, I am happy with the journey I am on. The world is a beautiful place and I am embracing the lessons, as well as understanding my emotional barriers.
I know what being overseas has taught me... and I feel this is the best advice I can give for those wanting to explore beyond their home.
1. Learn to love yourself as much as possible, because you are your own power in a new country.
2. Listen to stories and the cultural opinions of others, even if you disagree, for it will enhance your way of thinking. It'll help you understand the world more instead of just listening to USA media.
3. Be selective of your friends and who you spend your time with, for the sake of your own energy.
4. Don't be afraid to meet new people when you feel lost.
5. You made it out here for a reason. Don't think that you got "lucky". This was meant for you. Now go show the world what you're made of!
The truth of the matter is that this was what I would think about before going to bed as a kid. I wanted to see the world. That's why being away from home changed me. I got to escape a lot of the negatives and create my own, new positive. That's why being in England made me happy. Because it made me feel like I was free to finally be myself and do what I wanted to do.
During my childhood, I have experienced a lot of changes and mental trauma that really impacted my growth. I was mainly shy, reserved, and felt pressured in various situations. I was bullied as well. But, I also grew stronger from basketball. With that, I gained friendships. However, not many had my best interest because the more I played, the better I got. I was a tough competitor.
With that being said, from the past until now, I am happy with the journey I am on. The world is a beautiful place and I am embracing the lessons, as well as understanding my emotional barriers.
I know what being overseas has taught me... and I feel this is the best advice I can give for those wanting to explore beyond their home.
1. Learn to love yourself as much as possible, because you are your own power in a new country.
2. Listen to stories and the cultural opinions of others, even if you disagree, for it will enhance your way of thinking. It'll help you understand the world more instead of just listening to USA media.
3. Be selective of your friends and who you spend your time with, for the sake of your own energy.
4. Don't be afraid to meet new people when you feel lost.
5. You made it out here for a reason. Don't think that you got "lucky". This was meant for you. Now go show the world what you're made of!
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