Blog 7: Sophie
I hope you’ve enjoyed reading so far and learning about the different ways people have impacted me. Taking the time to slow down and reflect on how others have contributed to the person I am today has been a truly meaningful experience. After sharing my thoughts last week about studying abroad, I wanted to dive into my experience from the very beginning—because, honestly, it wasn’t all smooth sailing.
When I landed in Ireland, I was a mix of emotions. I knew a few people in the program, and while that should have been comforting, the reality was different. Excitement and anxiety battled for dominance, and if there’s one thing about me, it’s that when I’m anxious in unfamiliar settings, I tend to retreat into myself. Big groups can be overwhelming, and if I feel ignored, I struggle to insert myself into conversations. Even though I had friends in the program, there were moments when I felt on the outside, as if everyone else had already formed deeper connections than I had.
For the first few days, I focused on adjusting. The cobblestone streets, the bustling energy of Galway, the unpredictable weather—it was all new and exhilarating. Yet, despite the excitement, there were times when I felt a little lost. Studying abroad is often painted as this grand adventure, but what people don’t always talk about is the loneliness that can creep in, even when you’re surrounded by others.
Then there was Sophie.
At first, our interactions were friendly but surface-level. We got along well, but I wouldn’t have predicted how important she would become to me. It wasn’t until the last day of the trip that I truly realized how much our friendship had grown.
That morning, we sat in a cozy café working on our final projects, though in reality, we spent more time talking than being productive. For the first time, I got a deeper glimpse into who Sophie was beyond the usual travel chit-chat. She was passionate, creative, and unapologetically herself—something I am not always good at. Our conversation flowed effortlessly, and it felt like I had known her forever.
Later that day, we ventured into Salt Hill, a charming town by the water. There’s a local tradition where people jump off a tower into the freezing Atlantic when the tide is high. I took one look at that ice-cold water and knew I was not about to freeze right before our farewell dinner. Sophie agreed. So instead, we stood on the sidelines, watching our classmates take the plunge, laughing at their reactions, and soaking in the last views of Ireland together.
That night, after our farewell dinner, the entire group went to a pub for one last night of live music and celebration. Eventually, many of our friends opted for an Uber back to our hotel, but Sophie and I decided to walk. It was a 45-minute trek, and yes, it was cold (duh, it’s Ireland), but something about that walk was different.
As we strolled through the quiet streets, we opened up to each other in a way we hadn’t before. We talked about our pasts, our struggles, and the things that shaped us. I often have a hard time being vulnerable with new people—losing my dad and experiencing the inconsistent presence of people in my life made me cautious about who I let in. But with Sophie, something just clicked. There was an ease, a trust that felt natural. For the first time in a long time, I didn’t feel the need to hold anything back.
Looking back, that walk from Salt Hill was the moment I knew Sophie would be an important person in my life. If you ask her, though, she would say she knew we were best friends much earlier—specifically when I passionately insisted my hair was brown and not strawberry blonde during one of our first conversations when she complemented my “strawberry blonde hair”. (For the record, I have no memory of this)
After Ireland, we went our separate ways for the summer. Then, Sophie left for a semester abroad in Spain. Trust me, I know we all wish we were as cool as she is to live abroad multiple times in one year. So, after spending three weeks together nonstop, we suddenly went months without seeing each other. A whole summer apart, then an entire fall semester at different schools. It wasn’t ideal, but when she finally returned in the spring, it was like no time had passed.
Studying abroad taught me so much about myself—how to adapt, how to embrace the uncomfortable, and how to find joy in new experiences. But most importantly, it gave me Sophie, and for that, I will always be grateful.
Learning to be comfortable with myself in social settings has been a long journey. As I mentioned in my previous blog about my high school experience, there was a time when I felt so unsure of myself that I tried to mold into what I thought others wanted me to be. It’s taken years to unlearn that and to realize that the right people will embrace you for who you are, no performance necessary.
Sophie has been one of those people for me. From the moment I truly got to know her, she radiated kindness and authenticity in a way that made me feel safe being myself. And that is something I will never take for granted.
So, thank you, Sophie, for showing me that it’s okay to open up, even when it feels scary. Thank you for reminding me that real friendships don’t always form in predictable ways—sometimes, they sneak up on you during a cold walk home in Ireland.
