Are you staying in the Netherlands after finishing your studies? But you only went there to study! Aren’t you suppose to be giving back to the island? And your family back home in Saba? Why are you investing so much with your new starter home?
I get those remarks very frequently when I tell people that I am staying in the Netherlands after finishing my study this year. After moving here in 2011 I literally found myself! I found out more about things I am interested in and even my VOICE. It could be that it is just natural to find yourself when you are around 20 years old but after moving here and experiencing life I truly am grateful for making the move to the Netherlands. It has taught me a lot about being organised, punctual and just standing strong in your shoes. The culture here is totally different to back home “Caribbean Style“.
There are some who feel the need to be on the island/county that they originally came from after studying to give back. To give back I mean like literally doing something to show appreciation to the island. In my situation I feel like I am giving back to the island in my own way by staying away for a while. Sounds harsh?! I don’t think so because I am on my own journey to discovering myself, becoming more positive and just loving ME. & I don’t think that me being on the island will help. For some they might argue that I can also learn more about myself and develop being back home. But personally when I look back at when I was there I felt like did not have a voice, maybe because I was only ‘little Sue-Jeen’. But trust me now no one can tell me what to do or just walk over me and do as they please! In my short life there has been some things that I have went through and I promised myself to never be that way. I am going to continue to love and value myself.
When the time is right I will move back home & I will find a way to physically give back to my lovely little island SABA! But for now the Netherlands will be home and I will continue on my journey of finding and loving me! It hurts to be away from family and friends that I hold dear but for now I think that they also understand it is my life and that I am building upon it.
Really and truly I do not know if this is the place is for me to be for the rest of my life. But for now it is perfect & I feel right at home. 🙂
Did you also have huge life changing decisions to make after finishing your studies abroad? What did you choose to do & why? I would love to hear your story, so leave a comment down below!