Finding freedom across the Pacific
As a child, I always dreamed of adventure.
My days were spent getting lost in the large valleys I grew up in along the southern California coast.
No matter what I saw or who I met, there was one thing I was never fearful of — being free. As I grew older, I found myself chasing opportunities to travel and become familiar with life outside my niche.
I was ready to take on the world. I wanted to observe different people and hear ancient history and embrace the fact that the universe is so big and beautiful.
You’re thinking, “Where can you find such beauty and diversity?” Well, I have an answer for you: Bangkok, Thailand.
Although applying to study abroad was a process in itself, the excitement far exceeds the amount of paperwork to be done. The second I marched off the plane after riding 19 hours overseas I couldn’t control my anticipation.
There is something about the city that had my spirit running wild, whether it was the chili sauce in its pad thai or the history of its glittering temples. I was lucky enough to share my experiences with over 60 other students from all over the world in my international exchange program attending Thammasat University in Bangkok.
Each day had something new in store for all of us: An unusual food dish, a Buddhist holiday celebration or even new friendships.
With most of us enrolled in Thai Study Courses, myself and others had the chance to learn Thai language, which I have to admit was one of my favorite skills I acquired living abroad. My next favorite skill was my ability to travel. Let me elaborate.
The idea of being able to travel to so many places within the country of Thailand and having the chance to discover nature, history and, above all, diversity was important to me. My first time traveling to the islands of Koh Phi Phi in southern Thailand, I began noticing slight changes in the culture. The food was blended with more spices and served with bigger portions while the people spoke much faster, with some words taking on different meanings.
I thought to myself about the diversity aspect within the country of Thailand and what places were left that I needed to explore.
I traveled to the north where I stayed with hill tribes, trekked through jungles and celebrated the Songkran Festival, also known as the water festival, for the Thai New Year.
I’ll never forget my last few months in Thailand when my study abroad advisor e-mailed me regarding the ‘Study Abroad Goals’ I had written for myself during orientation before my departure.
“See if you have been able to achieve some of your goals, or if perhaps your goals have changed in any way,” she said,
I was astonished to see how easily some of my goals had been achieved within the first month but I was made prouder by how much I had achieved.
First, gain an understanding of the Asian culture, travel, speak Thai, learn customs and traditions, swim in the ocean, acquire a tolerance for spicy food, meet a monk, touch a temple and, above all, excel.
We are constantly changing, growing and maturing at every moment according to plan. Our lives are unfolding and for me, this was just the beginning.
Each city or village I visited fulfilled my soul, which was hungry for culture and starving for change. My experiences brought forth independence and appreciation. I was able to lose myself in time, in concert with others and then reclaim my identity.
I got to experience sensations I didn’t know existed in my being — those that escape when you have found yourself completely free when embracing the happiness which we all deserve.
It was freedom, at last.
