Wow. Who would’ve thought I would be leaving the US to study in a different country?

“Lily” dongsaeng, my younger sister, called to me before I walked into the airport. “You’re leaving before you said goodbye?!” she exclaimed, running towards me and giving me a tight hug, almost knocking me down to the floor. I didn't fall, thank goodness, but she did leave me breathless. I hate goodbyes. Always have since the day our parents left us at the front step of an orphanage in California. This is the first time that I will be apart from my siblings.

“Dongsaeng,” I said "I'm sorry." I said finding the floor and my breath and hugged her back. “Don't worry too much. I’ll come back,” I half promised half comforted her. “Its only for one semester.” I said as I pulled to get a better and last look at her pretty little face. "I'll miss you so much dongsaeng."

“Ya! Lily! You forgot about your Oppa too!” said a voice from behind. I turned around to see my older brother smiling. It wasn't his usual bright smile. I could detect a small hint of saddness.

“Aww! Oppa!” I cried out to him, “I’ll miss you too!” I hugged my brother with tears forming in my eyes. It has always been hard saying goodbye to my family. We’ve always been so close to each other, fearing that one of us would be adopted the next day. Because of that, we tried to make the best out of every moment.

"Flight from California to Seoul, South Korea now boarding."

I reluctantly let go of my Oppa. “Well, I guess I will be going now.” I wiped my tears from underneath my glasses. “Take care!” I called back as I walked further into the airport.

“You too!” I heard them yell in unison. As I walked, my vision of my family becoming a blur.

Seoul, South Korea, here I come.