ONTO THE ROAD OF MY JOURNEY, a short story

 ONTO THE ROAD OF MY JOURNEY
By Roshan Bhandari
Roshan Bhandari is a Pokhara-based freelance writer.

In the moments before I left for my big journey, everything was buzzing with excitement. I packed my bags carefully while saying tearful goodbyes to my family. I felt a mix of feelings. I was super excited to see new places and learn new things, but I also felt sad about leaving behind my cozy home and everything familiar. 

When it was time to say goodbye, hugging my family felt heavy with emotions. We promised to keep in touch and prayed for a safe trip. But deep down, there was a heaviness in the air. My siblings could see the whirlwind of emotions I was feeling as I prepared to step into the unknown. 

But once the plane took off and I looked out the window, all those worries melted away. I felt a rush of excitement, knowing I was on an adventure of a lifetime. Even though I was leaving behind the comfort of home, the possibilities seemed endless. 

After I landed in a new place, reality hit. I felt lonely and lost at times, trying to figure out the unfamiliar streets and missing home. But in between those tough moments, there were times of pure joy and discovery. Making friends with other travelers and locals helped me feel less alone. Each new friend reminded me of the importance of human connection, even when I was far from home. 

But along with the excitement, there were also tough parts. Balancing schoolwork and making money in a new country was hard. There were nights when I missed home-cooked meals and the warmth of my family's love. When I felt homesick, memories of my family flooded my mind. I missed my mom's hugs and her delicious cooking more than anything. But even in those tough times, my family's love and support kept me going. 

They're the reasons I decided to go on this journey—to chase my dreams and take on new challenges. Studying abroad isn't just about school or sightseeing. It's about discovering who I am and growing as a person. It's about being brave and open to new experiences, even when they're scary. Even though there are challenges ahead, I feel determined to face them head-on. 

With each new experience, I'm learning that the best adventures often come with a bit of uncertainty. And I'm ready to see what else the world has in store for me. And then there were the practical challenges, like managing bank loans and financial responsibilities. The weight of financial burdens added another layer of stress to an already overwhelming experience, but I was determined to persevere, fueled by the belief that every obstacle was a stepping stone on the path to personal growth and self-discovery. 

I may be overshadowed by the achievements of others and dominated by their success stories, but I refuse to let their light diminish mine. For within me lies a fire, burning brightly with the belief that my time will come. I may stumble and falter along the way, facing challenges that seem insurmountable, but I will rise stronger each time, fueled by the resilience that courses through my veins.

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Location: Pokhara, Nepal

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