
Goal: You can achieve anything
Living in a country where you look different to most people, where your native language is different, where your culture, religion, and customs are different, and where you do not have any relatives or close friends may seem impossible at first. For some people it’s easy but for most people it’s hard to leave their family, friends, culture and country and start from zero. I have been 10 years away from my home, and it has been tough. It has not been easy to be far away from the people I love and from the place I grew up, but I have managed and learned many things along the way that I want to share now.
- Have clear goals. If you know exactly what you want to achieve, and visualize yourself achieving it, you will feel that what you are doing is worth it and that you and your family would be very proud of your accomplishments. During college in the US, there were many times when I was feeling lonely, sad or sick and just wanted to go home, however, I knew that getting that degree would help me advance my professional career and support my family. My goal was to graduate as soon as possible to start working and spending more time with my family. So whenever I was feeling homesick I tried to remember my goals, my purpose, and that made me stronger. I graduated Cum Laude, got a job at Jetblue Airways and took my family to travel to different countries
- Get busy. It is usually when we have nothing to do that we start thinking about many things that can alter our minds. During my freshman year in college I was constantly feeling homesick because I had a lot of free time. However, during the rest of my bachelor degree I got involved in different clubs/organizations, started taking more classes and working, doing activities or traveling with friends on the weekends to the point that I did not have much time to feel homesick. Getting busy will not only help you be stronger but also will help you create new relationships, skills and experiences.
- Constant contact. If we talk with the people we love everyday our relationships would be stronger and we won’t feel lonely. I talk with my parents, sisters and close friends almost everyday and that helps a lot because I know what is going on in their lives, they know what is going on with my live and we can support each other. We also plan and try to meet 2–3 times per year so we do not spend much time without meeting in person. Long distance is hard, but it also makes you appreciate much more the people you have in your life.
- Read books. I used to spend almost 3 hours in public transportation everyday during my freshman year. And what do you usually do on a bus? Start thinking or using your phone, both not very good ideas if you do not have a clear purpose. I started reading entrepreneurship/motivational books on the bus to feel more productive, but then I liked the books so much that I kept reading at home. The books I read not only motivated me to never give up but also helped me build a strong foundation and mindset. Chicken Soup For The Soul and Think And Grow Rich were some of my favorite books, and I recommend everyone to read them. See the resources page for other great books.
Living in another country may be hard, but it may also give you great opportunities, experiences, skills, relationships and ultimately help you achieve your goals. Make sure you never forget where you come from and always stay in touch with the people you love.