That's a wrap, folks

By the time this post is uploaded, I will have finished my final exam at Carleton University, moved out of university residence and as such my time here will come to a close and I will soon be returning to the UK. Studying abroad has been an amazing experience that I would recommend to anyone and I am hoping to assist future exchange students coming to Carleton with any questions or concerns they may have. Hopefully imparting some knowledge from my own experiences here, such as avoiding mishaps such as my accommodation issues upon my arrival as well as simple stuff such as where to go shopping and good restaurants, sights and activities to see and do whilst in Ottawa. 

In truth, nearing the end of this experience has a rather bittersweet finish to it. On one hand, I am looking forward to seeing my family and friends back in the UK. However, I have enjoyed my time in Canada immensely and feel as though I have a place here, as well as missing all the great new friends I have made here. I feel as though Canada and its people have left a lasting impression on me that I doubt will fade. As well as having an impact on myself including my personality and overall self-confidence. The conflicting feelings surrounding coming home have been confusing and a bit upsetting. Perhaps my tattoo can serve as a visual representation of the impact this country has had on me. 

On the upside, I feel the farewells I will be choking to say to my friends over the coming days will be less of a definitive goodbye and more of “see you next time” as I will be surely returning in the near future. Either to visit or a more permanent stay. Even more so than my current stay here. To say the least, the next few days will be a struggle saying goodbye for now to this place and the friendships I’ve made here. Although, social media has made maintaining friendships over distance much easier than years ago. I certainly won’t let these friendships only be for the time I was here. Some may come to the UK which would be a great reunion. 

As for the blog, perhaps I’ll repurpose it into a blog for me to share my thoughts on various topics or leave it as it is to serve purely as a documentation of my time here that I can look back on years down the line. Or even to show those considering studying abroad so they can see my thoughts on various events and issues as they happened. 

I guess I’ll wrap up here as I’m getting more teared up as I continue writing. 

Thanks again for reading along and following me on this journey. I appreciate that you enjoyed reading about my time in Canada. Back to boring old Blighty, at least until my return.

Cheers,

Taylor