Saying goodbye to my best friend before studying abroad
I’ll miss you
As winter break comes to an end and we get ready for the spring semester, we inevitably say goodbye to friends who have chosen to study abroad.
In my three years at UT Austin, I have seen a common pattern emerge. It begins with an initial “I’m Studying Abroad” Facebook post with a stock image of the country you intend to move to for the next few months followed by a sad departure photo of you and your suitcase at the airport.
Bonus points if you add an inspirational quote about travel and finding yourself. But through all of the social media shenanigans, one big scary fact remains. You are leaving behind people who know you inside and out for the great unknown and a fresh start in a foreign country.
This is to my best friend.
I want you to know first and foremost that I didn’t choose to study abroad to abandon our friendship
You asked me why I felt the need to go and I gave you my answer. I want to escape for a little bit but when I come back I know I will be so much more grateful to have you in my life as we start our senior year!
Over the next few months, you will see photos of me with new friends in beautiful places
Please know that even as I travel and explore the world, there will be days when I will crave nothing more than sitting on my couch watching the latest indie film on Netflix laughing hysterically with you.
When I am gone, I have this feeling that you will grow in relationships that might not have developed had I been there
I see people in your life that need you as their friend even more than I do. I know you will make such an impact on their life!
We are so lucky to live in a world where technology has enabled us to communicate with anyone, anywhere, across the globe
I hope to have a lively Snapchat inbox filled with great pictures of you and our friends on Sixth Street. Please don’t cut me off from reminders of home. I will need them.
My choice to study abroad will be great test run for our friendship after we graduate
What if we were to end up pursuing careers in different cities? I think I have you convinced to move to New York City with me after we graduate but if that doesn’t happen we will still be OK. Why? Because we will have already spent several months apart. We will be so prepared.
I want you to start making a list
There are so many things we need to accomplish before we graduate and our senior year is our last shot! When you miss me, I want you to add one thing to our senior year bucket list. We have made a great tradition hiking to the top of the 360 Bridge. Why not hike the rest of Austin?
I’ll miss you
As much as you are sad to be spending a semester without me, I am equally nervous and terrified to go abroad. I second guess my decision every day. I will miss you so much and I can’t wait to see you when I come home.