In the short time that I’ve been away from home, I’ve encountered a lot of newness. This includes everything from the obvious — new people and surroundings — to background routines like transportation and groceries.
The process has naturally been riddled with a handful of lessons already, lessons that I’ll take with me through the rest of my time here and beyond. I’ve learned how to adapt to being uncomfortable on public transportation, how to navigate the school system in a foreign country, how to make friends again and so much more.
Of all that I’ve encountered so far, the most significant learning curve has been the social aspect.
For the first time since pre-K, I’m the “new kid in school.” I spent my entire life in the same school district before moving to the close-to-home state college that many from my hometown attend as well. Though my friend circles have changed over the years, I’ve been around the same groups of people for as long as I can remember.
College came with many familiar faces and I even roomed with one of my best friends in our first year. Though I made new friends, it was never out of necessity; I just wanted to meet others.
I arrived here alone as I’ve ever been, but that wasn’t a scary thought for me. Intimidating, sure, but never scary. It’s pushed me to seek out others with intention and to figure out how to make friends again. This time I don’t have anyone from home to fall back on.
Luckily, I got placed into accommodation with people that have quickly become good friends. There are seven of us staying in a flat, all coming in as strangers looking to make a new start somewhere.
Together, we represent four different nationalities, something that’s certainly broadened my perspective of life elsewhere. Though we each come from unique places and backgrounds with different hobbies and interests, I’ve found my little community already, something I couldn’t be more grateful for.
Aside from adapting to the social scene in such a new way, I’ve also had to become a lot more thoughtful with every action I take.
Grocery shopping, for example, has become much more of a thorough process than it ever has been before. I can no longer hop in my car and drive three minutes to WinCo for a last-minute ingredient. Here in Stirling, it’s a 20-minute walk to the bus stop, followed by 15 minutes on a bus that I need a paid ticket for. The convenience of a personal vehicle is foreign to most others here, so I’ve learned to appreciate the privilege of knowing I have a car at home. In this example specifically, it forces me to think about what and how much I purchase more dutifully.
These past few weeks have also taught me the value of time well spent. Oftentimes, people get stuck in a rut of the same routine and bad habits. I’m guilty of it in Moscow, as I get sick of the same boring routine in such a small town. The clock is ticking, though, and knowing I only have three months left to experience life here has forced me to push myself into experiences no matter the conditions.
Not everything I experience is dramatic, either. It’s the little things like calling friends and family while on a walk around this beautiful campus instead of from my room. Like going into town even on the days I don’t feel like it because these days won’t last forever.
Gratitude has really swept over me in this beginning stage of my study abroad semester. I feel thankful for the people I’ve met so far, the incredible place I get to live in and the opportunities that occur all the time.
Living life away from my friends and family comes with its challenges, but this experience has taught me that I can do anything on my own. I’ve loved settling in here, because no matter how fleeting this time may be, I’m building a whole new life for myself just like I’ve always wanted to.
Paige Wilton can be reached at [email protected].