Embracing the Unfamiliar: Living in a new place
Sunset in Outer Banks, North Carolina
Some of my fondest memories of my childhood are the times my family and I spent a week each summer at the Outer Banks. Like most kids, my sister and I would break out in excitement as soon as we saw the ocean. I don’t know if it was the salty taste of the air, the bright rays of sunshine, or the endless hours spent building sandcastles with our dad, that made the moments last forever. If we weren’t spending hours playing on the beach, we were dragging our parents into every beach store we could find. Something about the atmosphere of a store full of every beach related item you could imagine was intriguing at such a young age.
As the end of Sophomore year approached, I began to think more in depth about how I wanted to spend my summer. The main goal was to make money and to have the opportunity to live in the place where all my childhood memories originated from. I set time aside to research employers who offered housing for the summer and spoke with my dear friend Bailey about her experience living in the Outer Banks. After hours discussing job ideas and hearing Bailey’s stories of her summers spent in the Outer Banks my decision was solidified. I applied to work at a surf shop known to many in the Outer Banks as Kitty Hawk Surf Company. A few weeks after applying I received a call with an offer to be a Retail Merchandising Intern for the summer. Overjoyed and ready to go, I began packing my bags in hopes for a summer full of endless opportunities and lifelong memories.
As I began to settle into my new home for the summer, I found the unfamiliarity of my surroundings to be both thrilling and unnerving. On my days off from work I spent time exploring parts of the island that were unfamiliar to me. Whether it was hours spent laying on the beach or driving down south to discover places like Manteo, Rodanthe, and Hatteras, I always felt a sense of longing. As much as I loved living in this new place, my excitement was also interrupted by moments of homesickness. I felt as if the comfort of the familiar was temporarily being replaced by the challenge of becoming acclimated to a new environment.
As I continued to spend my summer working and living in the Outer Banks, I made the effort to go forth finding the beauty in my surroundings. Every day became a chance to learn new things, build friendships, and further my knowledge of the surf wear industry. I realized that in the moments of discomfort and sadness the most profound growth was occurring. The more I embraced the opportunities that lie ahead, I began to feel a sense of belonging and connection to my new home. Living in a new place gave me a deeper understanding of how to be resilient and go forward in life with an open mind. The journey I took continually challenged me to step out of my comfort zone, fostering growth and broadening my perspective on the world. The beauty of this experience lied not only in the transformation but also in the unique memories and relationships I built along the way, making it an unforgettable chapter in my young adult life.
“We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we’re curious and curiosty keeps leading us down new paths.”