Background story — In 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic was still in full swing. I spent
the entire school year at home, without stepping foot into a classroom. I was about to
enter high school, but everything felt uncertain.

My sister and I had been in Thai schools our entire lives. Around that time, my
younger sister was about to enter middle school as a 6th grader, and my dad began
to think it might be the right moment for a change. If she was going to start at an
international school, maybe I should, too. After all, I was about to enter high school
a big step on its own.

So we started talking seriously about it. After many conversations with my dad’s
friends, other parents, and educators – weighing the pros and cons of staying in
Thailand versus studying abroad – we came to a conclusion: being in an English-
speaking environment could help me grow, both academically and personally. Since
my dad had graduated from Northeastern University in Boston, he was naturally
drawn to that area. And long story short, I got enrolled in one of the best all-girls
schools in Massachusetts.

Beginning of the new journey — I had a few months to prepare for a completely
new chapter – without my parents, siblings, or any family nearby. On August 21,
2022, I flew to Boston with my mom. We spent about a week together exploring the
city, and it was fun.

Then, the day arrived: move-in day.