Last day before the big journey

Moving away is never easy. I know this from my own experience: coming to North America was my biggest desire and plan since school years. First, I took part in Flex program in high school, but successfully failed it, then I tried again after the second year in my Ukrainian university. For the the second time I wasn’t accepted.

Nevertheless, something in me knew this was my destiny. I kept working on my English, learning more about Canada (country that became my final choice), its customs and traditions. And finally, after I already got my bachelors degree, I was invited to continue my studies in Niagara college, where I would be learning Hospitality and Tourism management. The day I got my letter of acceptance was one of the happiest days of my life! I was jumping to my happy playlist, calling all my friends, laughing out loud and dancing. If I could generate electricity with my energy, I’d had it enough for entire city (and, probably, couple of villages nearby).

Then I bought my plane tickets, found a room in the student house. I knew exactly when will my first day at the new place come, and, when I’ll have my last day in the homeland.

Yes, I was excited! But at the same time I was very anxious about leaving my little world behind. Everything became so dear at once: my family, friends, places I visited daily, food I ate, sights I saw. Even little things that I never noticed before, like sipping coffee on that one colourful bench in the park, became special.

Now, as the day X was coming closer, it felt like I didn’t wanna go. So my mom and my dad decided to make this time as good as possible and send all of my worries away. We travelled twice that summer ( to Egypt and Austria), spent time outdoors, strolled through the forest, fed swans and ducks at the lake, visited lots of Ukrainian touristic places and filled ourselves with love and joy. My mom told me, that moving to Canada will never be the end of our wonderful story, but just another important step of my own journey.

This poem I wrote in a memory of the last days before moving to Canada. And I hope, someone who is facing similar changes in their life will find it inspiring and will be now confident to walk towards the dream.

The last day before the big journey

It was that last summer before my big journey,

I packed all my things, even cut off my hair.

I knew I am flying away early morning,

But had no idea what waits for me there.

In country-side house my family gathered,

We made barbecue, drank some wine and had fun.

It was end of June, warm and delicate weather

Enlightened by rays of vermillion sun.

My parents had blessed me for my new beginnings -

I felt the most powerful girl in the world,

My heart was in bliss and my soul was singing

About the magic that these moments hold.

And now I look back and three years had passed,

My albums have memories, journals have stories.

It was rollercoaster - emotional blast.

For choosing this way I would never be sorry.

It always feels good to be moving and growing,

Just little bit sad for what we leave behind.

Can never predict what the future is showing,

So do what you love and enjoy what feels right.

I wish everybody is brave and persuaded

To make their path and exclaim “I have made it!”