What Life Away From My Parents Taught Me

 I have no idea how life away from parents was like,  until I faced it myself. 

Leaving home for the first time  to attend National High School was the first big step I took. I didn't know what to expect, but fast forward to 5years later, with two years in National High and now in my final year of University , I have learned more about life (and myself) than I imagined. 

📚The Start of My Journey

Boarding school was nothing like home. I met new people, had to follow strict rules, eat food I didn't like at first and adjust to unfamiliar routines. 

Talk about waking up every Saturday at 5am for community service sighs.

 I had to wake myself up every morning. If you've ever attended Passam National High School, you'll understand. We didn't have bells like other Schools. We followed the time. They trained us to be responsible by managing the daily school schedule ourselves. So, I relied on my phone's alarm to get up and and make it to mess and class on time, mainly out of fear of being punished. 

 It was an exciting experience, but also challenging, especially in the very beginning. 

What made it even harder was that I am the only girl in the family. At home, I was the princess, looked after and spoiled by my Dad. But once I left, I wasn't that anymore. I had to learn to take care of myself, stand on my own, and let go of the "only girl" comfort I was used to. 

 At times I felt homesick. I cried myself to sleep under my blanket.One sentence I always remind myself during those moments was: "Yu no geligeli meri" (You're not a weak girl). 

🎀Being a Girl Living Away from home 

 Being a girl living away from home comes with challenges. You're expected to be strong but you carry so much silently. You deal with safety concerns, social pressures, and emotional battles that sometimes you can't share with anyone. 

I had to learn to grow into my own strength. I learned to set boundaries, to choose my friends wisely, and along the way, some friends became my lessons. I also learned how to take care of myself physically, emotionally and mentally. 

🎓University: A bigger World

All the struggles of boarding school paid off.  After two years in National High, I got in to Uni. Here, I had more freedom, but also more responsibility. 

I had to manage my studies, and everything on my own. I made mistakes. But each experience taught me something. And I kept going.  

📍Growth through Independence

Leaving home taught me how to live without depending on others for everything. I had to be own support system. I learned how to look after hygiene, my studies, my emotions, and sometimes even support other girls who were struggling too. 

 I realized that growing up means learning things the hard way. But it also means becoming more aware, more independent, and more appreciative of the people who raised you. 

 💯Looking Back, Moving Forward

Now, In my final year of university, I can truly say I've grown. I'm still that girl from home, but I've become more i
independent, more mature (or let's say 80% matured!), and more grateful for everything my parents did for me when I was younger. 

Living away from home hasn't been easy, but it has made me stronger.  

💫To Every Girl Like Me

If you're a girl living away from your parents, whether in school, work or even marriage, just know this: it's okay to struggle. It's okay to miss home. It's okay to cry.

 But trust that you are growing in ways you can't yet see. 

You are becoming the woman your younger self looked up to.