Saying Goodbye

In my last post, I was very flustered. There was a great deal of uncertainty last week. Now, however, there is a lot that has come together in the last few days.

I have a new host family, and it's official! I'll be living in Mossel Bay, Western Cape. It looks like an awesome place to live. The ocean is a short walk from my house and there's a lot to do outdoors. I can't wait to live there! Compared to my gloomy surroundings in Chicago, it looks like paradise.

Over the past week or so I've started to say goodbye to people. Let me say this, it's much harder than one would think. All of my peers will do this in a matter of months when they leave for college. You think to yourself that it will be easy but the reality of it all sets in quickly. I'm not just saying "see you later". I'm concluding a chapter of my life. High school was a roller coaster of an experience, but I wouldn't change it for anything. The people I've met along the way have shaped who I am and have supported me through this endeavor. I want to say thank you to all of the people who've helped me along the way with my AFS exchange. Your efforts should not go unmentioned!

I wish my classmates at North Shore and my friends from other high schools all the best with the remainder of their senior year. Senioritis honestly sucks I'm sure, but you all will get through it soon enough!  The American high school experience has concluded for me, but the journey has only just begun!