What a great topic to discuss since this is probably one of the biggest topics during the pandemic.
At the age of 10, I made the decision to study abroad. That being said, this year is my fifth year doing so. But of course, I have also made use of my home away from home, and I have made close friends there that I consider family as well. I would return home every holiday to spend time with my family. But since I have been doing this for quite a long time, I have seen my life there as a day-to-day thing, rather than actually acknowledging the fact that I am so lucky to have this privilege.
When COVID-19 broke out, I had to fly back home, and this is what really made me realise how much I actually miss it, how much I thrived there and how much I took it for granted. I miss the sports I played, the academics they provided, and the opportunities that existed. I just never saw the things that were in front of me within reach, when not many people have the opportunity to do and experience the things that I do at a young age.
This is the type of stuff I have reflected on ever since lockdown. Another thing I realized was how much we take our family for granted. We didn't actually take time to be present with them or understand how much effort they put into keeping our household up and running, especially providing us with everything we have during this pandemic, when not many people have a family who are able to do this. These things have all grown to become so underrated and underappreciated. It's about time we change that.
Sam x