02 Dec A Moment of Reflection

A Moment of Reflection

In my previous post I talked about taking things at your own pace and that is an ideology I’ve found particularly helpful during this first semester. When I decided to do this year abroad, I didn’t set myself any expectations. I began this trip thinking, “if I get to SFSU and at least give this a shot, then I’ve already achieved something worthwhile”.

For many that is a ridiculous concept, to come here without necessarily expecting to complete the entire year, but it is a concept that is true to me. It is me learning to be good to myself, learning to take my life one step at a time, knowing that it’s ok if I make mistakes. It is me seeing the beauty in the moments that signify growth on a personal level and recognising that I do not have to measure myself in comparison to those around me. I admire the feist in those who can go full speed ahead and get fully involved in the international community here at SFSU, but I am also proud that I know myself well enough now to know that I am not that person. I am someone who has to take things slowly and spend my moments building confidence in my ability to cope with change.

As this first semester comes to an end there are many parts about myself that I’m aware I need to continue to work on, but I am trying to recognise the positive steps I have taken that have brought me to this point in the first place. Taking this opportunity to live and study in San Francisco has challenged so many of the anxieties I struggle to cope with, and whilst I know I have a lot more work to do in moving myself forwards, I can see many parts of me that are so much stronger than before I moved here.

I can’t help but feel excited to return in January, to implement more of the personal changes I am making slowly and surely.