Leaving our country and arriving in a new place mixes excitement and fear: we carry a suitcase full of dreams and a heart that misses what we know—our streets, family, friends, and everything that is “ours.”

This is migratory grief: it hurts to leave what we know, but it is also exciting to discover a world of possibilities while we build a life far from home.

Starting the Adventure:

My first days in Switzerland were intense: paperwork, looking for a room, exploring the city, the university, new classmates, languages, and landscapes. Amid all of this, moments of nostalgia appeared, reminding me of what I had left behind.

Navigating My Emotions:

Feeling nostalgia and sadness does not mean being weak. It means we are human beings who love and stay connected to our story. Listening to these emotions, accepting them, feeling them, and giving them space is part of growing up away from home.

Small Rituals:

Over time, I have discovered that this nostalgia will not go away, that I will always have it as my special guest at home, and to make it feel more comfortable, I can cook my favorite dish that reminds me of home, celebrate my country’s holidays from here, call my loved ones, listen to the music of my land… and even dance!

It is not about staying in the past, but about carrying my identity, history, and roots with me—what gives me strength to keep moving forward.

Belonging is Built Day by Day:

Exploring the city, taking care of our habits—sleeping well, eating healthy, and resting when we need it without guilt—and opening ourselves to meet new people and participate in activities helps us feel part of this new place.

Home is Within Us:

Home is not a place. Home is our values, lessons, and experiences that made us who we are today… that is our home. The way we decide to live each day.

Yes. Leaving hurts. But flying allows us to grow, continue learning about ourselves, and create our best life… remembering that wherever we go, our home always accompanies us, because we carry it with us, we carry it inside. Wherever we go, we can always feel at home.