Coping with a study abroad program cut short by COVID-19
I couldn’t believe it was finally happening. After months of convincing my parents, filling out paperwork, and taking extra classes to make this possible, I was finally going to Australia. I was so ready to have the best semester of my life! As I began my study abroad journey in February, it quickly became one of the best months of my life. There was something about Australia; there was a certain charm to it that made me fall in love instantly. I had quickly made so many memories, and met so many people from all around the world, it was unreal.
Then the virus hit. Something I would have never imagined would be an obstacle became a reality. I can’t even describe the emotions that went through my mind the week my mom told me to come home, but that week was one of the hardest weeks I’ve ever had to go through. After being home for 2 weeks now, I’ve had some time to process my experience. Maybe this will help give others some insight, too.
Accepting that it’s bigger than me
The whole world is going through this, too. When I first processed that I had to return home early, I felt like my world was crashing (not to be dramatic). But honestly, all I did was question why this was happening, why it had to happen at this moment, and why it had to happen to me. I was so upset about it, and I know it’s valid to be upset, but we have to take a step back and realize that the entire world is going through this, too. It wasn’t just me that lost something, people are losing their wedding plans, their jobs, and even their loved ones. This situation is so much bigger than us, and there is only so much we can do.
Looking forward to another chance
There can always be a next time. From what I know right now, Australia is not going anywhere anytime soon. I still have my whole life to travel back, and explore the world over there. Yes, it may not be the experience I was expecting or hoped for, but it still could be something even more unexpected and wonderful.
Focusing on what was, not what could have been
I had the best month of my life. I mean the BEST month of my life, and I wouldn’t change any part of it. For a while, I kept getting stuck on the “what could’ve happened” and the “what more I could’ve done”. And believe me, it is so hard not to think about those things. But I’ve learned to think of this situation as a “wow, I actually got to live in Australia for an entire month”. Not many people get a chance like that (I mean the lucky ones got to spend 4 months there but at least I got one!) I was lucky enough to go, even if it was for a short time, and see some beautiful sights, and meet some beautiful people.
So, while this has been a really rough time for me, I’m starting to embrace the adventure I got to have and be thankful I made it home safely to my family. If you are struggling with something right now, I encourage you to think of the light in this situation. This will all soon pass, and I know something good will come from it if we all just shift our perspective a little bit.
About the author
Sydnie Ho
Sydnie Ho is a sophomore studying Supply Chain Management at Arizona State University. She is working to add a double major in Business Data Analytics and a certificate in International Business. Originally from Colorado, she loves being adventurous in the outdoors. She is heavily involved in her business fraternity Alpha Kappa Psi, works as a Campus Visits Ambassador at ASU as well as a Pearson Campus Ambassador.
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