By sturtle7
Going abroad was always a daunting task for me. I never saw myself as the type. I wasn't adventitious enough or could see myself leaving the support system I had worked so hard to create at GW. There were a variety of exercises, ones I went through daily sophomore year in an attempt to stop myself from flying across the world. However, as I sit here in Turkey, enjoying the last bits of good weather at the beach with a group of friends from all walks of life, and having gone parasailing just this morning, I realize how lucky I am to have the people here with me.
Support systems are integral to my life. I see myself pursuing those communities that can fulfill certain aspects of my identity. The people I have come to know and become friends with here, each represent an important aspect of back home. Whether in long conversations about American politics or nuanced discussions about identity, I realize time and time again that the support systems I seek are the ones that keep me going.
My time in Istanbul has been chaotic. The first two weeks were lonely, making me question each decision that went into my travels. Having almost completed my two month mark, I'm happy to know that good things take time, great friends always find their way and an amazing culture will always break away the fear you had coming over.
Communities support you. They also challenge your perceptions. Within my friend group, I have come to terms with an aspect of my reality that is hard to grasp: I don't look like a typical American, something that is reconfirmed each time someone asks me where I'm from. Just yesterday, a random man who took us out on his boat, refused to accept my answer to his question where are you from. Gesturing to my hijab, he said "You can't wear that and be American." At this point, it is what it is. You accept the battles you can win and forget the ones you can't. Obviously I'm American but people can think what they want. Regardless, it's how you view yourself and those opinions you care about that matter anyway.