To Leave or to Stay

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Many people might experience the feeling of being trapped in the limited space where they were born and may desire to break out of it, to escape to the wider world and see what is out there. While talking to my peer, Paul, at another university we discussed what home and community mean to us. Despite living in different parts of the world, our experiences are similar because, we both grew up in close-knit communities where encountering someone new was rare. This is bitter-sweet because on one hand, Paul and I have both found amazing communities where trust, safety and dependability are core values. However, this can reinforce feelings of being stifled, a lack of new cultural experiences and perspectives which has led other members to leave in pursuit of the mystery of the unknown. These persons who dare to leave may look down on those who choose to stay in their original neighborhoods and may judge them for being stuck in old ways.

Paul and I differ in how we have responded to this shared experience, Paul, is content staying in the community which they have built and grown in, he finds happiness in the familiar and peace in knowing that they are surrounded by loved ones and chooses to remain there. For me it is different, I felt compelled to leave and explore new communities across the globe due to feeling too restricted by the same background every single day. Despite this difference, we found ways to bridge our perspectives. Through this project, Paul has learned about the cultures and experiences I have encountered during my travels, while I have come to appreciate the importance of staying connected to my community, no matter where I go. Thanks to virtual tools, I can take my friends with me, ensuring I always have a piece of home wherever I travel.

By Ethan Joseph

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