“It is a very strange sensation to inexperienced youth to feel itself quite alone in the world: cut adrift from every connection; uncertain whether the port to which it is bound can be reached, and prevented by many impediments from returning to that it has quitted. The charm of adventure sweetens that sensation, the glow of pride warms it; but then the throb of fear disturbs it; and fear with me became predominant, when half an hour elapsed and still I was alone.” 

This quote reminds me of the first time I traveled alone and tasted true independence. On my way to begin a study abroad program in London between my junior and senior years of college, I had no idea what I was capable of. I didn’t know I could read a map or navigate a subway system or a train schedule in a language I didn’t know–with nothing but my own mind and a friendly, bilingual stranger. I had just flown for 6 hours across the Atlantic and found myself in the London airport with no one to welcome me. The farthest away from home I had ever been. 

And I was alone.

It was 2:30 a.m. at home. I was exhausted. My parents were waiting to hear that I was safe. The airport was busy and the day was just beginning there. Hugging all of my luggage as close to me as possible, I made my way to a pay phone for the obligatory call that would ease my parents’ minds. 

I remember hearing their voices on the other end of the line. They sounded so far away and I got a little choked up and wanted to cry. But I stopped myself because I needed to be independent.  

I was totally alone in the world. Nothing was familiar. No one I could see was even aware of me. This occurred over a period of about 10 minutes, but it was poignant. 

Then, I picked up my luggage and found my next flight, discarding the loneliness and embracing the adventure.