In Spring 2022, I arrived in the United States, full of excitement and nervous energy, to begin a semester-long exchange program at the University of Central Missouri. I had no idea what to expect, but I had a heart full of hope and curiosity. Now, as I sit down to reflect on my journey, I realize that this place has become so much more than a stop along the way – it has become my second home.
When I first landed in Warrensburg, everything felt new and unfamiliar. The streets, the campus, and the people were all strangers to me. But somehow, within those few months, it all began to feel like home. I didn’t have my family by my side, but the friendships I made here were the family I never knew I needed. Whether it was sharing meals, studying late into the night, or simply sitting together in quiet moments, these people filled the spaces of my heart that longed for connection.
Leaving UCM in May 2022 was bittersweet. As I packed my bags and said my goodbyes, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude but also a deep sadness. I remember walking through the streets of Warrensburg on my last day, thinking, “If I ever get the chance to come back, I will.” I had made promises to my friends and to myself that somehow, someway, I would return. In Summer 2024, I did. It feels surreal that what was once just a distant hope has become my reality.
In the two years I spent away, I worked as a software developer in Pakistan. Life moved forward and I grew in ways I never imagined. Yet UCM never left my mind. I applied to several universities for my master’s, but deep down, I knew where I belonged. The pull of this place and the people I had met was too strong to ignore. It wasn’t just about the campus or the academics – it was about the memories, the friendships and the sense of belonging I had found here.
Coming back here felt like stepping into a familiar dream. Some of my friends were still here, while others had moved on, chasing their dreams in different parts of the world. I often find myself walking down the same streets I once did, filled with a mixture of joy and nostalgia. Every corner holds a memory and every building a story. Though some friends are now far away, the bond we share remains as strong as ever. They stood by me in my toughest moments and celebrated with me in my happiest times.
Even across oceans, they are still with me.
One of the challenges of being an international student is being away from home during important cultural and religious events. I often find myself missing the hustle and bustle of celebrations back in Pakistan, the warmth of family, the sound of laughter and the joy of tradition. But here, with the friends I’ve made, we create our own sense of home. We cook the food that reminds us of where we come from and celebrate in ways that blend our traditions with the new ones we’ve formed here. It’s not quite the same but it’s special in its own way. The joy of sharing our culture with others, and in turn learning from them, has brought a new kind of richness to my life.
As I reflect on my journey, I feel incredibly blessed. UCM has given me more than just an education – it has given me a family, a community and memories I will carry with me forever. To anyone thinking about studying at UCM, my advice is simple – focus on your studies, but don’t forget to live. Build friendships, immerse yourself in new experiences, and embrace the unknown. You never know what, or who, might change your life forever.
As I settle back into life at UCM, I realize that what makes this place special isn’t just the buildings or the classes. It’s the people. It’s the friendships that feel like family, the moments that turn into memories and the sense of belonging that stays with you no matter where you go. In every sense of the word, I have found a home away from home.
