My metamorphosis.

Life is a Journey that takes you on different roads . The roads may be smooth or rough, long or short but there always is something to be learnt from the journey one undertakes on the roads. A lesson in each road. And I for one, have always set out on different roads and learning new lessons. July 2012 was the beginning of yet another journey, a journey that took me away from my home, my family and everything I was familiar with; and took me to a place that was totally new and alien for me. From there started my metamorphosis.

My house otherwise as lively as a beehive felt as if all energy was oozed out, like an Orange that is drained off its juice. My Parents were quiet, my two younger siblings subdued..it was hard not to feel the gloom. I felt scared for it was the first time that I was leaving home, I sure was excited to be attending college but without my family and away from home, it did not seem worthwhile  at all.   My parents packed my bags, placing my clothes and books in the right place. We had an early dinner of Chicken, pork and Ema datshe and sat talking long into the night. I didn't want to sleep, for I had to wake up and leave. I didn't want to see the sun rising. I wanted to stay home with my parents and siblings instead of travelling some hundred kilometers away from my world.

 I thought if I did not sleep, I would not wake up early and so, miss my bus. But somehow I woke up early the next day. I had no desire to leave but I knew I had to. I went for an early walk to bid adieu to all my favorite places- my mother's flower garden, the beautiful Punakha Dzong, the playground and to everything I was familiar with. I came back and bid farewell to my Family. As I had opted to travel with my friends, my father reached me till the bus stop. The students travelling with me seemed very excited, chattering and laughing. I was a little infected with their excitement too but as soon as the bus started moving, I couldn't believe I was leaving. My father gave me last minute advices and I tried hard to hold back my tears. I am never good at goodbyes, they kill me every time and this one was really too much to handle. But as my mother said, I had to grow up and be strong. So, there I was trying to be brave and look forward to the new road I was travelling.

When I reached college after two days of travelling, I felt anything but happiness. The college sure looked impressive but the fact still remained that I was far away from my Family . It was a sickening feeling and it only got worse. Later that evening, I tossed and turned in bed. I could not sleep a wink. I was home sick, I never felt so alone. I missed home, my family, my neighbors and everything about Punakha. I couldn't hold back my tears as I sat thinking of them.

The next day was another horrible day. I felt lost and felt so alienated from the rest of the world. Even the college aura couldn't keep negative vibes at bay. Nothing was the same..the environment, the people, the place, the rules. It felt as if I had entered a different universe altogether. I missed my father waking me up, the delicious food my mother prepares, the silly arguments I had with my siblings, the neighborhood noises and the familiar faces of my neighbors. I also missed the Sun, it was wet and rather cold compared to hot Punakha. In fact, I missed everything about Punakha. As I cried again, I thought my eyes would bleed from constant crying. But fortunately, I found new friends and reunited with the old. As time passed, I slowly adjusted to my new life. I had finally got used to the new road. I still missed my family but constant phone calls and video chats made things much better.

I got used to the idea that it was necessary for me to suffer, in order to know what is true Joy. I realized I had to be educated enough to be the daughter my parents can be proud of, an inspiration to my two siblings and an asset to the nation. From the moment I realized my responsibility towards myself, my family and my country.. I grew up.  The metamorphosis from a care free high school graduate to a responsible college graduate taught me that life's many roads may not necessarily take you to the place you want to be but it sure takes you to the place you are supposed to be; to learn lessons from and grow to be a better human being. I learnt it is best to make the most out of every moment and to find happiness within, instead of looking for it somewhere else. My metamorphosis has been pretty memorable, having experienced a bunch of FIRSTS. I pray every metamorphosis is as memorable as this one and that every road that the journey of Life sets one own, is a story of courage and inspiration.