Reflecting on my Year Abroad

By Rhiann Singh, University of Ottawa Canada

As I’m writing this I’m in my last 6 weeks into my final year here at UOM. It is crazy to think how fast my year abroad in Ottawa went and I can whole heartedly say that I do not regret a single thing.

It’s normal to feel unsure and question whether you’re making the right decision. At one point I was so close to not doing this but I’m glad I pushed myself to do it. Leaving everything familiar behind and placing yourself out of your comfort zone is a daunting thing, but its also what makes your experience ahead exciting.

During this year abroad, I watched myself grow in ways I didn’t expect. Never in a million years did I think I would have the confidence or ability to solo travel but I did. Travelling around Canada solo was truly an incredible experience that I will never forgot. I learned to love my own company and put myself out there in so many new ways. I am so proud of the person I have now become.

One of my favourite parts of my year was meeting new people from different walks of life. Those friendships made my experience a million times better and I am so lucky to say that I have made friends for life.

Being in a brand new country on your own really did test me at times. There were tough moments like having low days, feeling homesick, and the time difference. But, every time I got through something hard, I always felt stronger.

I will say this time and time again to anyone that if you ever have the opportunity to do something like this, pleaseeeee do it. Yes times will be difficult, and curveballs will come your way, but at the end of the day the experiences, memories and friendships created will outweigh everything else. Sometimes the scariest decisions are the ones that will help you grow the most. It’s hard to explain how much changes until you’ve done it. But trust me, those moments are what makes it all worth it.

Ottawa, you will forever hold a place in my heart.