I’ve always had a hard time making friends.
Being in a foreign country forces foreigners to interact with each other. In a way, you’re already friends connected by the fact that you’re outcasts. But, not outcasts in a way that you aren’t wanted by the masses, just that you naturally don’t fit in. In high school, and even in college, I find myself an outcasts, although without the camaraderie that I’ve discovered in Korea. Making friends abroad has taught me a few things: loyalty, dedication, and what it means to be yourself.
This is my roommate Kayla and I. We fondly call each other roommate and she is my twin. I’ve never instantly connected with someone like I did with her. It was honestly crazy. Becoming friends with her taught me loyalty. When I first arrived to Seoul, I was hospitalized. And Kayla walked to the hospital to bring me clothes, bought my textbooks for me, and did countless of other things that I’ve never known a friend to do. I think we’re connected forever and I’ll never forget my favorite roommate.
This photo is of Kayla, Tommy, and I. Tommy is amazing and one of the sweetest souls I’ve ever met. We have similar career goals and personalities. We are both quiet and reserved. My roommate and I met Tommy in Busan while being out with friends and spent the rest of the summer joined at the hip. Tommy and I quickly became each others emotional support system, and I hope we can continue to be there for each other in the future.
Our friend group is kind of too large to name everyone, but I will remember everyone forever. This photo is my favorite because it shows all of our different personalities. And the moments leading up to it were our last moments together. We were at the ‘graduation ceremony’ for our study abroad program and having our own photoshoot. It was hilarious and I’ll never forget anyone. They really taught me the meaning of friendship as we made the most amazing memories. To all my KU friends, 만나서 반갑습니다!