Written by Mia Elliott
My home away from home, it is a place that makes me feel relaxed, hopeful and centred. The beautiful town of Port Macquarie is my new favourite place to be. With the water surrounding me I feel at peace and can explore new things and new places . It truly is the best place to study away from home, and I love it more than anything.
On campus I have made some amazing friendships. These friends make my home away from home feel comfortable and safe. I can enjoy myself in a new way when I am with them and can be as free as I like. They are my support sisters and have guided me through my first year of University.
We have been there for each other for every ED trip, first date, family visit, placement, assessment and every day! We have even had sleepovers in each other’s rooms when one of us needed support or just someone to talk to. Our routines became special to us. Even little things like studying in the library together, going out to dinner, getting our daily coffee at Ruins and trips to the beach together after a hard week. They became family and hold a special place in my heart.
Some of my most special memories of finding independence were formed in Port Macquarie. It was my first time ever living away from home. Starting over in a new place and saying goodbye to my family, friends from home and partner was very hard. But it also gave me endless opportunities to make new memories and create amazing experiences whilst being out on my own.
I have grown so much over the year. I have really found my voice living in this new place. I have become more confident in making new friends, connecting with lecturers and peers and making my voice heard. Moving away has taught me that I can do big things on my own and that it is possible to find more happiness in different places.
It has comforted me when I felt the uni stress taking over. Walking or sitting by the beach calmed my nerves before a big test or when an assessment due date was nearing. The calmness of the ocean is my favourite thing about Port Macquarie. It truly is a magical place where you can feel whole and express your inner self.
After my first amazing year in Port Macquarie, it was tough to pack up and move back home for the summer. To anyone that is nervous about moving away from home to university, I can guarantee it will be the best years of your life.
Charlie blog is a SSAF funded initiative.
