1. Show Gratitude: Every day I thankful for the small things. This time with my family and friends are crucial for preparing for going abroad. The immediate responses are taken for granted. Knowing a six-hour time difference will stand between calls from my mom, grandma, aunt, sisters, besties will hurt at times. Spending this time with loved one helps to cope.
2. Spend Time Alone: So as a server, I spend a lot of time working around people. After my shift, I drive home and sit in the car to take a 10 to 20 minute decompress. Abroad, homesickness is inevitable. Remember you may be alone at night or whenever that immediate response not there, but you not lonely.  This time alone is so necessary for entering our adult lives. Remember your family and friends can no longer guide you through everything — only encourage and support you. Spending time with yourself will help you gain mental clarity and learn how to love every part of who you are and who you are becoming.
3. Treat Yourself: Since coming home I have spent so much time with family and going to my favorite food places, nail salons, and home church. Treating yourself to your favorite places help with leaving your hometown on a good note.

PS: just some friend appreciation cause I’ll miss them a bunch when abroad. Love y’all