Needless to say, my experience in Taiwan has been life-changing. My whole perspective about the world has changed. We are often immersed in our little bubbles, leaving us tunnel-visioned and not seeing the world around us. Traveling abroad shattered that bubble, revealing new perspectives, cultures, and possibilities that I had never envisioned.
The local Taiwanese people are so welcoming and hospitable. I made a number of local friends and I will deeply miss our late night talks and playing Mahjong in the dorm cafeteria. The local Taiwanese people were some of the most welcoming and hospitable individuals I have ever met. I admired their disciplined approach to life, instilled from an early focus on academics. Their determination and grit reignited a fire inside of me to constantly improve. Their character inspired me to strive to be empathetic and respectful in all my interactions.
The other fellow exchange students also broadened my perspective. Before this exchange, I had limited exposure to people from European and other Asian countries. Engaging in conversations about their home foods, childhood experiences, and unique traditions broadened my perspective immensely. Each person brought something distinctive and unique to the table, and their charisma and intelligence left a lasting impression.
These interactions showed me that despite our differences in race, culture, and upbringing, we are all human beings. We all are dealing with similar challenges and trying our best to accomplish our goals and fulfill our dreams. This experience taught me not only about others but also about myself, leaving me with a newfound appreciation for the beauty of inclusion and diversity.
As I am writing this, I just said goodbye to all my friends I made here in Taiwan. It’s bittersweet. I am grateful to have met so many incredible people, but knowing that I may not see these people for a long time hurts. I’m leaving with memories I’ll treasure forever and I hope that our paths will cross again someday.
I will miss going with my friends to the night street markets and purchasing an ungodly amount of fried chicken and squid skewers (I won’t miss the pungent stinky tofu smell lingering in the markets though). I will miss eating douhua (tofu pudding) after playing outdoor basketball with people I just met. I will miss group trips with friends to other cities exploring the beautiful hot springs, mountains, beaches, and temples. I will miss the late night walks to 7-11 and picking up the most tasty pre-packaged bento box with Pocari Sweat. These seemingly simple yet profound moments encapsulates my time in Taiwan, and I will forever cherish these memories.
Thank you Taiwan.
