Going Home

Saying good-bye is always the hardest, but it’s even more difficult when you’ve met a group of bright and wonderful people. Over the last four months, I have been given the opportunity to create unforgettable memories with an exceptional group of people. Unfortunately, in a few weeks all that will be left are these memories. The reality of us keeping in touch are very low given all of our busy lives and the possibility of us ever seeing one another again are even slimmer. I mean we will try to keep in contact via email but in reality we’ll be lucky to receive random facebook postings. I don’t want to be negative and I am sure people will be able to keep in contact, but this is what I have experienced in the past. Regardless, I know that meeting these people will not have been in vain because I have gained and learned so much in the last four months that I will continue to use in my life back home. I have learned so important life lessons such as allowing others to help you when you need it and always assume positive intent in people because they are genuinely good people in the world. Vietnam surely has been an entirely different world, one that I was not use to, but in my four months I was able to grow and adapt and learn things about myself I would have not otherwise discovered and for that I am truly grateful.

When I arrived in Vietnam, I was frightened and scared of the “dangerous and lawless” land I was about to encountered. I was warned by family and friends to always be on alert for fear someone would either rob me or rip me off. I was an American so I was a target and all people wanted to do was to exploit me. However, I soon discovered that the things everyone told me were completely wrong. Sure, the traffic in Hanoi is dangerous and crossing the street means risking your life. Sometimes eating the food means risking your well-being and sometimes avoiding the toilet is impossible. The streets are not clean and the pollution feels like it could give you lung cancer. However, in spite of all the flaws, Vietnam has been very good to me. It has taught me how to constantly adapt and adjust in order to survive. Further, people have good intentions and if you need help, ask for it, and you shall receive. While back home I would be hesitant to ask for directions back home, I have learn to ask for it frequently. Also, when I was down and was in need of help people are always too willing to come to my side and help. For example, when I was sick many people would offer to take me to see a doctor or go help buy medicine for me. I had one friend who I did not really know come check on me and bought me milk and tea to drink, knowing I had difficulty eating. Vietnam has reminded me about the goodness of mankind and while we are all trying to survive in this world, offering one another a helping hand surely makes living easier.

I will never forget Vietnam because it essentially gave me my first relationship and with such an amazing girl. She thought me what it is like to care about another more than you care for yourself and sometimes putting that other individual before you. I questioned in the past what the point of relationships were but now I realize what it means. You have a special someone who you can share your experiences with, a special someone who is there for you through the ups and the downs, and someone who is there with you to overcome the difficulties in life. Our time together has been, in my eyes, incredibly short but nevertheless rewarding and amazing. I cherish all the times we have and knowing that our time together is short I can only hope one day I get to see her again. For these reasons, a part of my heart will always stay in Vietnam. My mother’s land and the land that gave me so many unforgettable memories. Tôi yêu Việt Nam!!!