Leaving on a jet plane

Please allow me to use the title of John Denver's classic song "Leaving on a Jet Plane" to allude to someone close to us who leaves us in search of better chances, whether temporarily or permanently. As Filipinos, if we could just stay close to our loved ones, we would stick together through good times and bad. And when we depart from this custom, it has a significant impact on our ability to function in society. We feel as like a massive portion of us, as well as our family and local neighborhood, is missing.

This phenomenon is caused by the fact that people generally --and Filipinos specifically-- have an intense sense of belongingness, supporting one another seems natural. We no longer care how much time and other resources we devote to helping others or how far we go in doing so.

Do young people, for example, recall the first time they spent a night away from their parents when they were younger? An overnight camp or a sleepover at a friend's house? They may have felt apprehensive, afraid, nervous, or excited. Many of these emotions are possible for foreign students who are preparing to embark on their adventure to pursue their education abroad. Most students find it difficult to be apart from their families, friends, and familiar surroundings, especially in the first few months of studying abroad.

And thus, with someone who is going, a lot of memories can be recalled in the weeks or days leading up to the departure. This covers instances in which this person has made us happy and joyful, a special experience that each person offers. And no amount of learning about this experience from someone else will be sufficient. Therefore, we must consider every interaction with anyone to be a special memory to cherish.

It is crucial to spend as much time as possible with the family and friends before departing. Also keep in mind that many overseas students cite familiar food as one of the things they miss the most. Make sure they eat their favorite meal frequently before they depart, whatever it may be.

Those who are left behind will naturally express their worries. You’re doing something that can appear risky or out of character while leaving the security of your life behind.

While the idea of living abroad may be full of potential and optimism for us, it's crucial to understand how leaving our friends and family behind to live abroad will affect their life as well. The people we leave behind can struggle because of our distance.

Letting go of someone we've been with for a time is a very challenging undertaking. This is particularly true if that person has developed into a prominent figure in our life. We now know that the arduous process of letting go usually results in tranquility. The conflict over whether or not to maintain someone in our life might obstruct our daily thoughts. No matter if we are at work or at school, we no longer possess the same mental clarity that we once did. By letting go, we can finally get the clarity we've been seeking. Much more so when growth is represented by moving forward and letting go.

It is a sign that we love the people when we miss them. We will never utterly understand the depth of our love if we are never apart.

To my nephew Joseray Sagisag Rabago Fuentes, safe travels and God bless you in your academic and professional journey. Be safe in the Great White North!