I lived abroad by myself when I was 22. I wish I'd waited until I was older.

"I was a measly 22-year-old who had never lived more than 45 minutes from home when I haphazardly decided to take an internship in Ifrane, Morocco, and move away from my family, friends, and everything else that gave me the notion of comfort and security. Although the seven months I spent in Morocco changed my life, I'll admit that now, at 29, I understand that there is a reason these women were older when they began their self-realization journeys abroad."

"Before I get into anything else, I find it important to note that this idea of having to travel internationally to achieve self-discovery is a very privileged idea. Not everyone can rely on moving their lives to another country to do some soul-searching. Because I had the opportunity, though, I seized it. Carpe diem, and whatnot. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but I found myself missing home Like Elizabeth and Frances, my trek into North Africa was catalyzed by heartbreak."

At 22, I moved alone to Ifrane, Morocco after having lived most of my life within 45 minutes of my hometown. A breakup prompted me to accept an international internship and leave familiar comforts. The seven-month stay changed my life, but the internship was underwhelming and persistent homesickness made the experience emotionally difficult. I recognize that traveling abroad for self-discovery is a privileged option, yet I seized the opportunity. At 29, I wish I had had more chances to live abroad and I see why many begin such journeys at older ages.

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