Entering the campus, I was barely dragging my suitcase behind me. I did not have to know for sure to tell you it was overweight as usual. My room on the 3rd floor and tons of stairs on my way were no help. Once I got to my suite, I felt exhausted and I was not that hopeful that next time I will manage the bags easier. Little did I know I will take much more with me when leaving Davenport in two weeks.
Even though it took me forever to get to the third floor, as soon as I stepped out of my room the time started to fly by. I realized that I became a part of a diverse community of incredibly inspiring individuals. I would grab my light tote bag and be gone all day to enjoy every little moment with my new family group! Running under the pouring rain just to get that matcha latte, trying out new clothes in Urban for the sake of glow-up, learning how to eat Chinese food properly, and recapping all that while dancing to One Direction later that day.
Friends from all over the world helped me to take it easy and reflect on things that were hard on me for quite a while. In the evenings, we would get to unpack every little thing that bothered us, that was heavy in any way. We felt truly comfortable to take this away from our shoulders. Each of us had a story to tell, and we listened. We listened to every breath, to every laugh, to every “I needed it”. We listened. We did it so that it would stick with us. We did it so that we would remember.
No one noticed early morning and the last Starbucks run. We have learned to say “see you again”, not “goodbyes”. I put the last paper crane in my bag because I finally learned not to worry about my overweight baggage. The moment I knew I did it right. This time I got the people as I did not have to deal with all my bags by myself. I didn’t have to be by myself. I got them. I got my friends and an immense number of shared memories that we had a chance to experience. It is luggage that you are not going to unpack and leave behind.
I did not need to make sure it fits into my suitcase. This time, I am keeping them closer to my heart. I know memories go places with you. There are no limits, neither 23 kilograms nor 50 ibs. Once again, there are no limits.
You are not alone in carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders.
Author Details:
Anna Vietrova
Solving Global Challenges
Ukraine