How to Say Hi: An Insight into Embracing New Experiences

I found myself thinking one day about how I managed to survive five years living away from my home country.

At 18 years old, I moved abroad on my own, something many of you reading this may have experienced too. Along with that came the challenge of adjusting to a completely different environment while continuously learning about life. The funny thing is, I had never even visited England before deciding to move to London for what was supposed to be three years, which quickly turned into more.

This article is, in many ways, a reflection on my own experiences and, hopefully, for others, a key that unlocks a different perspective.

People, Passion and Curiosity

These are the three main things that have made my experience overseas so memorable.

The most beautiful thing they all have in common, in my opinion, is that they each have a driving force behind them. They push you into a different kind of comfort zone, one you never expected to find yourself in.

Especially coming from a smaller country, not only geographically but also in terms of the opportunities and experiences available, it can sometimes be difficult to venture beyond what is familiar.

I’ve always been curious. I wanted to know more about everything, and one of the best ways to discover that is through the lived experiences of other people.

It often starts with something simple: sitting in your university kitchen having a conversation, picking up a new hobby, or continuing an old one and meeting people along the way.

For me, this has been a constant exercise in character building. I’m always absorbing, learning, and growing. Putting myself out there in different ways has impacted not only my personal life but my professional life as well.

It has shaped my views, challenged my opinions, and helped me become more versatile and confident different rooms and situations.

One of the most daunting, yet illuminating, realizations about moving abroad, especially to a bigger city or country, is that genuinely no one knows you.

Saying that out loud can feel a little scary.

But with a slight shift in perspective, that same thought becomes a ballpark full of opportunity, freedom, and exploration.

Once I finally digested that idea, I started to say hi.

Everyone is in the Same Boat as You

So many people in this world have similarities to you that you may not even realize.

If you’re curious about learning more about yourself, talk to other people. Many of my peers were going through the same things I was, just in completely different contexts.

Ask someone what they like to eat. Ask where they got that hat from. Ask what a word means in their language. Ask if they drink rum, how they celebrate birthdays, what their favourite flower is, what they do for work, what they wish they did for work, which grocery store they prefer, what paradise looks like to them, whether they prefer BIAB or gel nails, what their biggest fear is, what music they listen to, or if they’ve ever heard of the Cayman Islands.

And yes, every single prompt above is something I’ve asked someone.

Every conversation broadens my knowledge and expands the way I view life and the people in it. Of course, stepping outside your comfort zone can feel strange at first. It certainly did for me. However more often than not, you’ll discover that people are just as interested in connecting as you are.

Continue the Conversation

As you continue building your own world in whatever country you’re based in, the people around you will inevitably influence it. Trust your judgement and trust your gut. You’ll meet countless people throughout your life, and it’s important to remain open to those connections.

Some people will fill your cup. Others may simply be passing through.

Both have value.

Today, I have friends who are dear to my heart scattered across the world, people who continue to be part of my life regardless of distance. Knowing I can count on them, and vice versa, is something I never take for granted.

In fact, one of my closest friends, who I met during my first year in London, is an amazing young journalist from Türkiye and has helped me shape my approach to writing these articles !

You never know what knowledge, experiences, or perspectives someone will bring into your life.

So wherever you are, and wherever life takes you next, just remember how far a simple “hi” can get you.