Where are you from?

Where are you from?

It’s probably my most and least favorite question I’ve gotten in coming to college.

It’s my most favorite because, I love sharing my stories as I’ve traveled. However, it’s my least favorite because, it’s a long story and no one is ever really prepared for it.

Florida is my home, but I go to College in Texas. However, I consider Colorado my hometown. Although, my childhood home is in Illinois. And before all that, I wasn’t even born in the country. I am from South Africa, Johannesburg. I lived there for 3 years before we moved to Illinois. We lived there for 5 years, until we would go on to Colorado for the next 11. And, we recently moved to Florida where we’ve been for just 1.

Here are some answers to FAQs:

No, we are not missionaries.

No, I’m not an illegal immigrant.

No, I’m not afraid of being deported.

No, I am not a citizen. Actually, I have dual citizenship in Italy and South Africa.

No, I do not smoke weed.

No, we are not a military family. And my favorite…

NO, you do not have to be black to be from Africa.

In all honesty, that’s just where we’re from and my dad has to move a lot for his job. It’s really that simple.

All jokes aside, this moving and all the visually and culturally stimulating places I’ve been have really conditioned me to crave adventure.

It’s honestly addictive.

I love seeing new cities, meeting new people and exploring different cultures and what makes them unique. Traveling has made me who I am. It excites me and gives me joy that I can’t really describe.

It’s gotten to a point that I don’t really feel satisfied unless I have a trip to look forward to, being in college, I usually do. However, it has made this season particularly difficult. I struggle to be happy where I am. Where I am is not exactly the most exciting place. What I’m doing, school, isn’t always the easiest on my heart. It gets stressful and I long to be somewhere else experiencing the world.

Although, in this time of being stuck, I’ve realized that there is a time for everything and life is all about choices.

Because of how I’ve grown up, I truly believe that the best form of education is in traveling. Although, I wouldn’t necessarily learn how to shoot video, or speak well in front of an audience while exploring Europe. Europe has much to offer but those are not included. Where I am though, does. If these are the things I want to do for the rest of my life, it should be worthy of my time.

So, why do I feel like it’s not?

Chances are, it has to do with my perspective.

I’m constantly bogged down with the stress of school and the quietness of where I live. I get really bored and I imagine what it’d be like to be somewhere else. I have not overcome this by any means, I won’t pretend that I have. However, it’s important to focus on the positive and witting has a funny way transporting you.

Consider where you are. It could be, California, Tennessee, or even Texas. Each has something different to offer that others would kill to experience. You just happen to live there, experiencing it every day, so you get confused when others think about it like that. It feels boring, why would anyone want to come here? I’ve thought that a few times, but then I remember, at one poet I was that person. I would’ve done anything to experience what I’m doing right now!

This hasn’t been an easy time for me but I refuse to waste it. This time is important, but (and as cliché as this sounds,) just like a storm it will pass and it will be time for a rainbow. You can choose whether you will focus on the storm or you can eagerly prepare for the rainbow.

We can’t always pack up everything and just go. However, what we can do is; save, pack, plan.

Or, you know, you could just wallow in boredom, that when the opportunity does arise you won’t be able to take it because, you aren’t prepared.

It seems like an easy choice, but it’s difficult to see through. I know, because I’m doing it, right now. However, I also know that, this preparation will be so worth the thrill- seeking and unforgettable memories I make on my next adventure.

So, will you prepare or will you be bored while waiting. Remember there is always something to do if you’d just open your eyes.

Be sure, to choose wisely.

I choose adventure, I choose to prepare, I choose to be grateful in this storm.

And finally, when I do go abroad, I know it will be that much sweeter.

So, where are you from? More importantly though, where will you choose to go?