Dear friends that are abroad right now,
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Clemson is full of amazing things, one of them being the opportunity to leave Clemson-to spend a semester abroad. When some of you told me last semester that you would be studying abroad, I was so excited for you. I was imagining all of the fun places you were going to go explore, and all of the amazing pictures you would post. I was fully ready to stalk you on Facebook and live vicariously through you. What I wasn’t ready for however, was how I would secretly start to hate you.
The first week was fun, you were all just starting your adventures, making new friends, and posting your first pictures. I opened Facebook and thought, “yay! They look like they’re having an amazing time!” I liked your pictures, and commented lots of hearts and smiley faces.
After a couple more weeks, I started thinking, “Okay, you’ve had your fun, time to come home now!” Part of what makes Clemson home is the people, and it just feels so weird to not have you all, the people that have become family, here on campus with me. I was still half expecting you to walk into my apartment at any time or text to make plans.
“Lunch at Harcombe guys? No? You’re in Italy? Okay, that’s cool catch you another time maybe.”
And then, after a few more weeks I was surprised to discover I hated you all a little. Not a true hatred, more of a jealous hatred. Your Snapchats were filled with your adventures and your pictures on Instagram were even more artsy than I ever thought they could be. You were so busy doing such fun things! I wanted to pack my suitcase and go on my own adventure! Instead, I kept sitting on my bed watching Netflix and eating spaghetti-o’s, commenting pathetic little hearts and smiley faces on your pictures wishing for this semester to hurry up and end. I bet you didn’t know how much bitterness was behind that smiley face, huh?
I just want to say something to you guys. Yes, I am jealous and a little bitter that I am here drowning in these crazy weeks of work, but I am still so happy for you. You go girls! I’m so happy to see you having the times of your lives, and growing as people. Your pictures make me smile and I can’t wait to hear about all of your memories and crazy times. I promise my happy face comments aren’t THAT bitter ;)
I know America will seem boring when you come home, but you have people here who love you and can’t wait to see you. Hurry home and I hope this semester abroad is everything you want it to be!
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Xoxo,
Your Spaghetti-o eating, Netflix-watching friend at home