The interesting experiences that come from “goodbye.”

I recently handed in two essays for my English class, I sent them to my mom and dad...both loved them (although that may be just because they have to love me) but I thought it might be fun to post them anyway, so here goes...

The interesting experiences that come from “goodbye.”

It’s Halloween 2009 and I am as excited as a kid on Christmas morning. I am dressed as Rob(y)n Hood and I am 22 years old. This is my first Halloween ever. I decided to go trick or treating with Finn, Braden and Annabel. I am not worried about the amount of candy I collect but rather the experience.

I suppose I should rewind a little so you can better understand my child-like curiosity. I am an au pair from South Africa, living in America and taking care of Annabel (2years) and twin boys Finn and Braden (2months.)

Of course leaving my home country and family wasn’t easy and the memory of that day is as clear as though I am watching a movie recording of it. I was getting ready to board my plane and I turned around to see the faces of the people that have supported me my whole life, my support system. I saw each of their faces clearly, taking time to collect details that will remain with me, my dad’s facial expressions, my younger sister not quite grasping the full impact a year will have on our relationship and lastly my little brother’s smile. I walked through airport security hoping that I had made the right choices, not with what I chose to wear or what I packed but rather with the life decisions I have made, and where they will lead me. By now it seems like the entire world has slowed down to allow me this profound moment of nostalgia, without losing any time, this seems like the time in a movie where we would flash back to a montage of the life of Robyn Wiggill with my special family moments, smiles we have shared and memories we have made.

In my time in the States I have experienced many ‘firsts’ such as Halloween, skydiving and swimming with dolphins to name a few. My first visit to Starbucks is very memorable. People walk in knowing their exact order, size of their drink as well as their milk preference. I walked in not sure what to order. I stood in front of a huge sign which was filled with many options of mocha flavored-whipped-specialty drinks. Not knowing how to even begin navigating this mass of meaningless words I decided to stick with the order of the patron in front of me, but make it a small. Tall vanilla latte, was now my new favorite drink.

Another memory was not such a fond one; however it does stick in my mind. I was driving along when I stopped at the traffic light when a police officer jumped out his car and told me I was to pull over because I had run a red light. I was completely dumbfound, I have never run a red light before, or been pulled over by the police. Once I was talking to the police officer he asked me why I hadn’t stopped, at this point I had to ask him where the traffic light was, as I had never even seen it! We spoke and he realized it was an honest mistake, and after a stern warning I was allowed to continue my journey ticketless and extra cautious!

I have had some amazing times in the States and each one has taught me a huge amount about this melting pot of a country that is so often misunderstood. I have learnt the true meaning of Thanksgiving Dinner; about the pride Americans feel as they wear red, white and blue on Independence Day, have experienced my first white Christmas and had the amazing adventure of trick or treating for Halloween. I have learnt that while my biological family may not be here, I have made a whole new family group that is made up of my host family and the wonderful children that have taught me so much, my fellow au pair friends from various countries and well as my American friends that have been so generous in showing me their country and helping to enrich my experiences 100 fold. I may have arrived on American soil alone, but I never realized that I will never be lonely in the country of the free, home of the brave.