Two years ago, I was a high school senior living in Lincoln, Nebraska, anxiously awaiting the day when I would receive my decision letters from all the universities I applied to. While this was such an exciting time, I felt stuck; stuck in the pattern of walking the same halls, going to the same places, and doing the same things. I had this deep longing for something new. For something to make me excited again. I was surrounded by incredible friends; however, I didn’t sense the same feeling of incompleteness in them that I did in myself.
Thankfully, my parents have always pushed me to go for every opportunity I can. So, when the option of packing up and going to California for four years presented itself, there was no question from them of whether I would go or not. I was beyond excited to be going to Pepperdine University (where I am a current sophomore) and had absolutely no idea how dramatic of a turn my life would take in the short span of two years after receiving that letter.
While the response from my parents was incredible, I was slightly surprised at the questions I was asked, as well as the questions my parents were asked. People would come up to me and say, “Oh, are you unhappy at home? Is that why you’re moving away?” There is this incredible stigma in some places which basically includes the opinion that the desire to do something different or try something new stems from a place of resentment or sadness. This may be the case for some, but, as a child, I was always taught the value of acquiring new experiences. The lessons we learn and the people we become due to our interactions with those from different places and with different backgrounds are priceless. Being able to see historical places first hand rather than on a page in a book changes the way we view learning. My desire to leave home, a place I still love and appreciate more than anywhere on this earth, comes, not from a place of hate, but from my intense desire to soak up every experience and drop of life I can while on this earth.
The last two years have been the most intense times of my life, filled with every emotion. I have laughed until my body hurt. I have cried, hoping for a second chance and for the comfort of home. I have danced down streets I never thought I would walk through. I have been afraid of the future and longed for the past, and I would not take back any of the experiences I have had. I live, not trying to be safe and conventional, but trying to break every boundary and go beyond every limit set in front of me.
I have walked down streets older than the country I am from.
I have been lost on an island with an almost empty gas tank and no idea how to get home.
I have met incredible souls.
I have felt pure joy in seeing my family for the first time in five months.
I have slept in the Sahara desert.
I have wandered the streets of Paris, croissant in hand like the basic traveler I am.
I have had five different bedrooms in two years.
I have entire days to myself to sit and reflect.
I have been afraid.
I have made mistakes.
I have succeeded.
I have failed.
And these…are the moments I’m living for.
I live for the unknown—for the possibility that I can wake up one morning and have absolutely no idea what adventure will unfold. Be it the best day of my life or the worst day of my life, I find joy in knowing that no matter the outcome, I am living to the fullest potential this life has to offer. I face challenges and I struggle every day, but living a life of chasing each moment is the most satisfying and fulfilling method of living I know how to do. I have no plan; no concept of what I want to do with my life, but I am happy and I am satisfied, and at this point, that is about all I can hope for.
Find something that terrifies you…and do it anyway.
About the Creator
Nina Hind
Just another 20 something trying to tell a story. I'm trying to do as many crazy things as possible and hopefully inspire others to do the same.
Find more about me on instagram: @nina_hind
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