Lessons Learned After Being Away From Home Since 9th Grade

Faced the real scenario of life

I was born and brought up in a small village. Where I lived with my huge extended family. We all were interconnected and were leaving happily with little we have but education was not so good. And my parents wanted to give me a good education.

After many years, my parents took a small flat in one of the cities. So, they wanted me to shift there for my education. So, I left home in my 9th grade. Where my Mom lived with me for some period of time. And then I was searching for some roommates. So, I can share my expenses with them.

A village girl came to the city. A girl who was shy and doesn't talk to people much. A girl who was frightened and was afraid about taking new steps. A girl who wasn’t aware of city life came to the city.

It was hard for me. No parents to support. No spoon-feeding. A lot of responsibility on my head. I need to handle home all alone with some of the roommates with the study as my main priority. I need to manage the bills, cleaning, cooking everything.

Even in a school with so many modern people around. I was quiet. I didn't utter many words only spoke when it was necessary. My job was just to go to school, study, and come back home and handle home at the same time.

But all this was a boon for me. Yes, I learned a lot being away from home and I think every child should live the comfort zone of home at some point. I faced the real scenario of life and overcome many fears. These are the things I learned from being away from home.

Able to handle any situation.

Once I came back home a little late in the evening and light went off. First, we thought everyone's light has gone. But then we realized that only our lights have turned off. There was some issue with our electricity. It was the first experience for me. I don't know what to do. Neither I have some electrician number to call and help me out.

First, what I did was? I called my parents and cried. Said them what should I do now?

They cared for me and they were worried at the same time. They said to hang up the call and go out and search for an electrician. I didn't have any other options. I have to go out and seek help. I did it and light came back.

What did I learn?

I learned to handle all the unpredictable situation which I was never aware of back then. That sudden leak from a pipe, that broken tap, that circuit shot and so many others. Some surprises were minor for me while some were unpleasant. But I learned how to overcome it. Being alone teaches everything. Now, I can handle many different unpredictable situations.

Build confidence

A girl who was shy before can speak freely now and happily achieving little wins in life. That little accomplishment makes me happy and proud of who I am. I can face the reality. I became fearless. Now, I don't hesitate to ask for help. I can freely ask my doubts to anyone. I can stand for myself that is the biggest thing I achieved.

Able to cook

I didn't know cooking when I left home. But when hunger strikes we have to take action. Even after coming tired from college. I have to go and cook. I used to call mom for the recipe and in the beginnings, many dishes failed. But eventually, I learned how to cook food and it became my best therapy. I enjoy cooking now.

Realization of money

When at home, I didn't have to bother about money. But now, I need to think before I spend. If I spend much at the start of the month. I need to calculate accordingly to manage other stuff. My outings are planned according to my savings.

Sometimes, there are unpredictable expenses that come forward. So, I need to put some money safe for all those things. Those extra bills, those sudden outings, those unpredictable repairs of the home, and so many others. I realize the importance of money and never took it for granted.

Appreciated the family togetherness

Started valuing all those little things of family. When I was at home I didn’t know that I am going to miss them so terribly when I will be away.

That family gets together. That argument with mom. That jokes from dad. That love from a brother. That mom’s hand food. That care from my parents. That little outing. That food we ate together and all little stuff is valued now.

Now, the video calls are bliss for me. Never a day I miss their calls. They are the first priority beyond anything.

Started being careful

Need to check everything at home before sleeping or going out. That gas burner, locking of doors, switching off the lights, and whatnot. But all these things were left open by me once and I learned the lesson. I failed first so that I learned the lessons. And I am happy that I failed but now I am aware of many such things.

Able to do multitasking

As so many kinds of stuff are there to do in a list. I need to manage the time accordingly. So, at times I need to cook and do the cleaning at the same time. So, I can give my proper time to study.

This way I learn how to organize time by doing multitasking.

Leaned the value of little things

That fridge full of groceries. That cupboard was full of snacks. That dinner was readily available at home. All these things were blessings back then. But now I started valuing each of them. It's bliss when parents send all those snacks to me.

I cried I failed and I achieved but my process of learning is still going on. It was hard but it was necessary for my growth. It’s been 10 years since I am away from home. And I wanted to say Thank you to my parents for letting me go out.

You will relate if you are away from home. It was the best thing which happened to me. The lesson I learned will be useful for the rest of my life. There are many hilarious stories to tell. There are immense of memories I have in my heart.

All these are blessings. So, if you are away from home. Just enjoy the bumpy ride and be happy. All will pass by. Everything will fall into place. You will learn a lot and you will be proud of yourself later on.