Oh Canada, Whatcha doing to me…

 

I can remember my face when I was first told that I had to go to Canada for my exchange two years ago: to say that I was horrified is an understatement. In my head, It sucked. Big time. What the hell did I do in previous lives to not be given the US as an exchange destination? What the hell would I do in the Oh so cold Canada during 4 months? Yes, lots of What the hells, now you can picture how I felt.

Then I landed there: Four months passed in a blink. I had the time of my life, met incredible people that quickly became a family to me (FLAMILYYYY), felt terribly embraced just the way I was. When I think about it, Canada definitely has marked a before and after in my life. I went there clueless about everything in life but somehow finding myself in a situation that wasn’t my first choice once again happened to be the perfect place and moment to make me grow and evolve as a person.

4 months filled of love, laughs, fights, tears but most importantly those 4 months were a complete break from my university life. It got me out of the business student bubble as I started to meet tons of people coursing different degrees that were incredibly smart emotionally. It truly felt like we all had a purpose in Canada and that we grew together to finally be ready to be back home.

When that happened, I felt empty and disconnected. The magic was gone, home wasn’t that enchanting anymore. I started to feel so frustrated because I wasn’t able to feel how I felt when I was there: Confident, Embraced, Myself. Luckily, what they call the Post-Exchange depression was gone in a few months and before I could even realize, I was back in Canada.

It might be curious but the magic happens every time I go back: my exchange friends are gone and there isn’t much left to what made my experience unforgettable but something incredibly strong still ties me to that place. Concerning my style, it also changes. I’m more careless, like to wear feminine dresses (what me? Yes, this is real) and truly feel confident when I wear my clothes. After all, they are totally right when they say that confidence is the best accessory to an outfit.

If today, you asked me if I would choose to go to the US as I fiercely wanted in the first place, I would tell you that I wouldn’t have it any other way. Every single person I have met, every discussion I have had and every spark I have shared make me the person I am today. I would also tell you that Life knows exactly how to handle your business and that absolutely everything happens for a reason.

Lots of love always,

 

Neguine