I always knew I would study abroad.

Not because I planned it meticulously, but because I grew up around it.
My mother worked in overseas education, and my parents always believed in something bigger for me.

Still, knowing it and living it are two very different things.

The Goodbye That Made It Real

It didn’t feel real until the day I left.

Saying goodbye to my family.
My friends.
My girlfriend.
My room. My home.

Everything I had ever known.

Getting on a flight had always been exciting.
But this time, it felt heavy.

For the first time in my life, I was leaving not just a place, but a version of myself.

Landing Somewhere New

By the time I cleared immigration, the emotions had settled a little.

And then I landed in Tucson.

A place I had never imagined I would fall in love with.

As the plane descended, the city looked calm, almost cinematic.
And when I stepped out, something shifted.

It felt new. But not unfamiliar.

On the drive, I started seeing University of Arizona flags everywhere.

And then I saw it.

The giant “A” near the stadium.

That was the moment it hit me.

I was really here.

A Small Moment That Stayed With Me

During my first few days, I was walking around campus with my mom.

We passed by magazine kiosks, stacked with student publications.

She looked at them and casually said,

“If you ever get a chance, design for them. It would be really nice.”

I laughed it off.

I had just arrived.
I didn’t even know where to start.

Designing for the university’s official publications felt… distant.

The Unexpected Opportunity

A few months later, I attended a campus housing fair.

Honestly, I was just there for the free swag.

That’s when I came across the The Daily Wildcat booth.

I started talking to someone there.

Just a normal conversation.

No pressure. No expectations.

That someone turned out to be Susan McMillan, Director of Daily Wildcat.

At the time, I had no idea.

We spoke about my journey.
Why I chose the university.
What I wanted to do.

And then, unexpectedly, she said something that changed everything.

She told me that they were looking for designers and offered me the role of Lead designer for the next year’s magazine.

Just like that. It happened.

The Call I’ll Never Forget

I said yes.

And the first thing I did was call my mom.

It was late. I woke her up.

And I told her,

“Remember what you said? It happened.”

She was overjoyed.

That moment felt bigger than just an opportunity.

It felt like everything had come full circle.

Making an Impact

What followed was not just a role.

It was responsibility.

As part of the magazine and newspaper design work, I contributed to publications that reached over 40,000 readers across the United States.

From concept to execution, I worked on shaping visual narratives that represented the university and its student voice.

This was no longer just a student project.

It was real work.
With real reach.
With real impact.

What This Journey Meant

When I look back, this journey is more than just milestones.

It started with uncertainty.
With discomfort.
With leaving everything behind.

And it led to something I never expected.

Recognition.
Contribution.
A sense of belonging in a completely new country.

Final Thought

Sometimes, the things that feel the hardest in the moment lead to the most meaningful outcomes.

Leaving home was one of the most difficult decisions I’ve ever made.

But it gave me everything I didn’t know I needed.

A new perspective.
A new environment.
And a chance to leave my mark somewhere far from where I started.