I consider myself to be a writer, but when especially moving things happen to me, I always find I’m at a loss for words. And so now I’m struggling to put words to how meaningful my experience abroad in Australia has been for me. My internship program that initially brought me here ended over a month ago, but I’m still in Sydney, writing to you from my favorite café. I almost wrote favourite.

I remember my initial anxieties and fears that plagued my brain pre-Australia. I was so happy and so goddamn complacent back in Michigan, there was part of me that didn’t want to bother going. But I did. I dove straight into the unknown and it forced me into this incredible new situation and alternative life where I’ve found peace. I consequently feel extremely confident and comfortable in my own skin these days. I have officially abandoned any lingering, unfavorable misanthropic tendencies; Aussies have singlehandedly restored my faith in humanity. It’s the people here that’ve really made this experience so perfect. I’ve grown close with the loveliest people who’ve effectively made this foreign place feel like home. The newness of the continent, of the state, of the city, encourages me to be curious and keep exploring; even though it’s been home for months, there’s still so much I’d like to do here. I’ve had many days where I go out into Sydney, alone, with no plans. It’s awfully exciting to see where the days take you when you’re open to it.

It’s worth mentioning, though, that this adventure wasn’t all smooth sailing. I can’t brush over the culture shock and silly differences I had to adapt to live here successfully. Like walking on the left side of the sidewalk instead of the right or flipping light switches down instead of up to turn them on. Take out has become take away and I now call ketchup tomato sauce and I pronounce “tomato” differently (it’s not tomAYto, its tomAHto).

There are all these small things that add up to the Great Realization of this being a new place. And, of course, these strange feelings are heightened by the inevitable homesickness and navigating the extreme 16-hour time change when trying to reconnect with friends and family on the other side of the planet. I’d significantly discount my overall experience if I left out the obstacles I encountered when adjusting to Aussie life. But I appreciate it all equally, the good and the bad. I was forced out of my normal and approached this new way of life with enough of an open mind to survive. Hell, I’ve beyond survived- I’ve thrived here. I can’t help but feel extremely grateful to have even had the opportunity to come here in the first place. The scholarship I received pre-departure certainly helped me get here, and I’m awfully thankful for it.

I’d like to be blunt and say that if you’re reading this and you’ve got the slightest disposition to travel, I encourage you to listen to that wandering, curious part of yourself and DO IT. Don’t deny yourself the revealing exploration of the unknown, no matter how intimidating it may seem. There’s so much left to learn, so many beautiful places to see, so many incredible people to befriend. So, I hope you choose to give in to your curiosity and feel the discomfort that comes with it. It’s so very worth it.

“Stop wondering, start wandering.”

Name: Cameryn Cass
Status: Senior
Major: Journalism
Hometown: Traverse City, Michigan
Program: Internships in Sydney, Australia