By: Junyi Ma
Without noticing that Thanksgiving break is approaching, I am still focusing on my study schedule. The time is quietly tiptoeing by me, and I notice only when friends ask me, “What is your plan for Thanksgiving break?” Well, I wasn’t thinking about this break, which is so attractive for most Native Americans because they can go back home and enjoy time with family members. No matter how far away they are from their hometown, they are still in their country. They can get back easily by bus, train, or plant. On the other hand, international students are far away from their home countries, especially the Chinese or the students from Asia. It’s because China and America are located at opposite sides of the earth. Which area could be further than Asia?
I sighed, since I don’t have a plan for this break. I imagine that when most of the American students, during the break, are enjoying a happy time, and the campus is particularly drowsy, my heart will be hollow without the many students on campus, though I don’t know most of them. . This is homesickness. When most of my time is devoted to my study, I can put aside this sensation. However, when the campus becomes quiet, the homesickness will irritate my tear nerves.
The tears are pouring out my loneliness because I feel so lonely. The tears are showing my weakness because I can’t help but whimper. The tears are telling me that I am independent now. The tears are singing my sorrows because I hide so many sad emotions. The tears are directing me to be strong toward life because I will face problems alone in the future. The tears are reminding me that I am still alive because I am weeping with hot tears. The tears are encouraging me to be responsible because I am carrying so much hope for me and my family. The tears are motivating me to make more long distance calls to my family when I am not so busy. The tears are inspiring me to ponder life more seriously because we only recognize real friends when we are in need. The tears are so important to me.
Everyone is born, grows, and learns from tears. Yes, I whimpered, but it does not mean I am weak. Instead, it means I am full of love and hope. Homesickness is a tool from which I learn more about life. Now that I’ve chosen to study abroad, I correspondingly choose homesickness as a result. Though I feel sad about the loneliness, I thank fate for providing me this opportunity to experience real life. I believe every next day will be better.
