When I was little I used to watch movies that showed how the transition to college was. It looked like so much fun and I imagined myself multiple times being in that position. Eight years later it was finally my time, but it definitely wasn’t like what movies portrayed. I had to enter college during one of the most difficult years in history due to COVID-19.
My first obstacle started with traveling. Coming from Managua, Nicaragua, I had to get into a two-hour plane to finally land in the place my university is located. Due to the pandemic, price rates started to rise and I was unable to fly, which made me start college remotely. Despite this, I still took advantage and met several of my classmates through classes, Facebook, group chats, and more. Definitely, a different but still fun way to engage with others! My professors were welcoming, nice, and even though I was remote I still felt like I was sitting in the classroom.
Three months later, I finally arrived at college. I can’t describe the excitement of my first day as I organized my room. I felt as if I finally made it, and the best years of my life were about to start. However, I didn’t realize how affected I was going to be because I was international and I didn’t have my family close to me. I started to feel homesick for several weeks and I wished I could go back home. Not having physical events to meet with others due to COVID-19 was difficult for me. I felt I had no friends and I didn’t like the idea of being alone. But as time passed, I started to get adapted to a new lifestyle. From a difficult time, I got so many positive things. Not only I became a more independent person, but I became stronger and learned to appreciate my time alone.
Now, you should be asking yourselves: why is she telling all this? I am here to tell you that hard times will always approach you, whether you are an international college student entering college, or you just had a relationship breakup. I understand the endless pain you feel. But let me tell you: that pain is temporary, it is going to end. And when it ends, it will bring you so many good things to your life because you didn’t only go through a difficult time but you became stronger, independent, and a better woman.