Yeah I’d say there’s an art to leaving your birthplace… I mean let’s face it, for many of us it can be a daunting and very emotional process BUT just like anything else, practice makes perfect.
Ever since I could remember I was leaving home. When you’re young, jet-setting across the world to live in a different country feels like an adventure, but sometimes we lose track of that innocent and care-free attitude. As you grow up, leaving home can feel like a completely different experience. But, there is hope! I’ve racked up a few key pointers from my days if you really want to become a master. Here are 7 easy steps:
- Be positive, be positive, be positive. Negative energy is draining and can taint your experiences. Do people actually enjoy drowning in their sorrows? No, I didn’t think so. Kids, optimism truly does go a long way.
- Try to keep the future in mind. Think about all of the awesome things your going to, not what you’re leaving behind (i.e. a beautiful campus, the beach, independence, and people who are socially and academically of the same caliber as you).
- Give yourself plenty of time to pack. This eliminates those mini-meltdowns after weeks of procrastination and that “I think I forgot something, but I don’t know what it is” feeling. Sure, some things you can just buy in Vancouver but most certainly not your favorite pair of jeans that you left at your friends house this summer or that knitted treasure your grandma made for you to keep warm….in the rain….
- Load a bumpin’ music playlist for your iPod and make sure it’s charged (made that mistake and was tuneless for that oh so fun 5 hr plane ride).
- Download Skype. It’s free, easy and you can actually see your mom’s face WHILE talking to her at the same time, revolutionary stuff eh?
- “Goodbyes” are so last year… try a simple “see ya later!” because realistically, we WILL be seeing our family and friends from home, later. Hello Christmas break?
- Takes a deep breath, or a few…
And remember, it’s going to be okay.
