“I long, as does every human being, to be at home wherever I find myself.” ~Maya Angelou
I was devastated by a breakup during my senior year in high school. For the first time, I felt at home with my girlfriend. I felt like I didn’t belong anywhere, despite having Arabic roots and growing up in Germany. I didn’t feel German nor Arabic.
She made me feel like I was finally in a place. After this relationship ended I just wanted to run away. I hoped that a change in location would solve all my problems. After graduating, I packed up my things, bought a one-way flight, and fled Australia.
My first few days in Australia were far from idyllic. When I arrived in Australia, I was lost as never before. In the first month I struggled with self-doubt. Traveling can be a harsh experience. It was as if it were the first time that anyone had experienced this. I felt like a loser.
Everyone around me seemed to be enjoying their trip. Everyone around me seemed to be enjoying their trip. Each conversation I had was awkward.
I felt deeply ashamed of the way I spoke English so I decided to isolate myself. I wanted to return home but after telling everyone that I was…
