That really happened?

Going abroad was the best decision I have ever made. It forced me to be completely independent, separated from friends and family at home. It forced me to grow up. Being on my own also really helped to give me a sense of who I am as an independent adult, not as a unit with the people I have been with my whole life. I found out how smart I am and how well I can take care of myself. Most importantly it allowed me to see and experience people and cultures completely different from that of my own. People are products of our lives and surroundings, how can we truly know what we love and who we want to be if we only know one place or group of people? I am still learning about myself everyday as a result of this experience. I wouldn't take it back for anything in the world, it was truly the best time of my life.