Being an international boarding student thousands of miles away from home has brought its own unique pains and struggles. Since I arrived at Choate as a new sophomore three years ago, I have missed big events back home like birthdays, graduations, and funerals all while trying to overcome culture shock and homesickness. But despite all this, I will forever treasure my time at Choate. The experiences I had here were what led to my tremendous growth during my high school years.
I remember the first time I stepped foot on the Choate campus. It was summer of 2016, and immediately, I knew that Choate had so much in store for me. I knew that by the end of my time there, I would be a much better and stronger person. I wasn’t wrong. Although hefty workloads and being away from home presented trials and disappointments, being at Choate allowed me to become more independent and discover my passion for psychology, neither of which would have happened at my old school.
It wasn’t until Covid-19 abruptly ended my time on campus that I fully realized the magnitude of the impact that these past three years have had on me. I’m thankful for everyone that has been a part of the journey, whether they’re still in my life or not: those classmates, teammates, dormmates, and club members who I had never really gotten to know and those who have become lifelong friends; those faculty members who were always willing to lend a hand and those who supported me through it all.
My one piece of advice: take a moment to appreciate it all, even at the lowest of times, and don’t be afraid to do the thing that you have been pushing off because you were waiting for the “right time.” Choate has seen me through all of the emotions and experiences I’d never felt or imagined before. Far from home, Choate became my second home. Though at times I felt like I was drifting away from my friends back home, I found comfort in the meaningful relationships I formed at Choate.
Once again, just like three years ago when I boarded the Kenya Airways flight and left home for Choate, it feels like I’m leaving a huge part of me behind — only this time, I’m not able to truly come to terms with it and bid my final adieu. One thing’s for sure, though: Forever true, Gold and Blue! Goodbye, Choate.
