I’ll never forget the day I received an email of acceptance from the university. I had applied to a master’s program in Sweden that started in September 2010. I got the news in the summer of 2010. I could not contain my happiness. Everything was happening so fast. The little computer I got when I was young—that window to the world—made all these things happen, simply by me searching websites and reading through forums and blogs.

After several days of planning, it was time to pack and go. Friends and family were shocked and happy for me. I could hardly believe I was going to another country, all by myself.

When I said goodbye to my father I saw his eyes were red. I hugged my mom and I noticed her face looked plain, either from sorrow or shock. She was losing a part of family. It was going to be a long time until we could see each other again. Moving out of my family, society and country, and saying goodbye to all I had, wasn’t easy. I was breaking all the bridges behind me and heading to an unknown destination. One needs to be strong and never look back. It takes a lot of courage to let go.

Hello, Sweden!

I stepped out of the airplane and felt refreshed and a little nervous. But I reminded myself to be strong. I felt free and light as a bird looking forward to my new life. The cold breeze passed through my hair and touched my face. I was screaming with joy in my head. I was finally free. Dreams do come true.