Anxious to Come, Mortified to Go

This is the story of my Round Square Exchange Program, to The Brookhouse School, Nairobi, Kenya.

In the depths of my being, the journey commenced from the very moment I reluctantly stepped into the car, the vehicle that would carry me towards the threshold of emotions and uncertainty—the airport. Each step closer propelled me into a realm where individuals depart, a domain where uncertainty looms large, and the return is not always promised—the airport.

Ascending the stairwell to the awaiting flight, my thoughts were consumed by a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. Was this ascent leading me toward the annihilation of my familiar social landscape, or was it a climb toward my personal salvation? The domestic flight passed with deceptive ease, but the realization of departing my homeland sent tremors through my legs, causing even my ordinary sports shoes to quiver.

Seventeen long hours and fifteen anxious minutes later, I touched down in Nairobi, and the moment of truth beckoned—the dreaded immigration. Anxiety gnawed at me. Would they accuse me of being an unaccompanied minor, an offense in Kenya? Would they declare my visa null and order my deportation to the US, a nation distant from my current Indian abode? A storm of worrisome possibilities thundered through my mind, including the absurd notion that my phone could be mistaken for a concealed explosive. Yet, to my disbelief, the immigration officers scarcely asked me a question, waving me through after a cursory glance at my visa and passport. Joy surged within me, an exultant tide that carried me past the gates, a triumphant smile etched on my face, ready to face the enigmas this foreign land held.

Upon reaching the school, conversations with the administrative staff transpired, guiding me to the room that would cradle my existence for the next one and a half months. Inside, I encountered two fellow souls—Ben and Juan Diego Mora. Ben, a student of the school, and Juan, an exchange student hailing from Anglo-Colombiano, Colombia.

The initial week at the school unfurled, revealing a tapestry of individuals, each weaving their unique narratives into the fabric of my experience. Juan, Ben, and several other students imprinted their stories upon my consciousness.

As Friday's embrace drew near, I found myself in the company of my host, Adam Brown, venturing into the warmth of his family's embrace. Their hospitality, manifested in a splendidly prepared dinner upon my arrival, enveloped me in a comforting embrace.

School days melded into a tapestry of routine until the day of our first collective expedition emerged. Our destination: the breathtaking Masai Mara, a realm of awe-inspiring beauty where we beheld Africa's famed "Big Five" in their natural habitat. Despite my indifference toward wildlife, the enchantment of that experience transcended the boundaries of my expectations, etching a memory that sparkled with magic. Amidst the adventure, camaraderie blossomed with classmates like Eyed and Paul, the shared joy of music inadvertently leading to a playful reprimand when our boisterous melodies were discovered during the bus journey—a reprimand worth every note.

As the end of my exchange journey drew near, another escapade beckoned, this time to the ethereal Rift Valley. Accompanied by a class junior to ours, we forged unforgettable memories. Engaging with teachers and fellow students deepened our connections. Amidst this expedition, a hike to the pinnacle of a canyon cliff emerged as the crowning jewel, offering a vista of breathtaking beauty.

Yet, even in the throes of these adventures, a bitter reality loomed—the day of departure, an event laden with both anticipation and dread. The sadness of parting weighed heavily on my heart, for I knew that leaving meant bidding adieu to cherished souls.

In the tapestry of this journey, I unearthed a profound realization. Contrary to popular belief, the true challenge of an exchange does not solely lie in the solitary travel or the acclimatization to unfamiliar circumstances. No, the ultimate trial is bidding farewell to the individuals whose lives intertwined with mine, understanding that the odds of our paths crossing again may be slim.

An exchange, I now understand, mirrors the survival challenges of Minecraft. Embarking with naught but a clean slate—zero friends, zero familiarity with the terrain, and zero understanding of local customs—we embark on a quest. We must treasure each friendship forged, for they become the lifeblood of this journey. Every day unveils newfound appreciation for the mundane, the chores we'd seldom notice in our usual habitat, like laundering our clothes or navigating the intricacies of a plant-based diet. This voyage teaches us that despite the seemingly insurmountable odds, within us resides the strength not to be overpowered by the gusts of uncertainty but to glide in harmony with them. And on that inevitable day of departure, when we glance back to the day of arrival, we marvel at the vast distance we've traversed.

Credit: Technoblade