The idea of leaving your home country for “greener pastures” is something many of us grew up hearing about. But what we don’t often hear about is the in-between. We usually hear the final verdict, whether it was worth it or not, but rarely the journey itself. And for me, that in-between is the story I want to tell.

Before I dive in, let’s start from the beginning.

Why Did I Want To Step Outside My Comfort Zone?

I’ve always wanted to step outside my comfort zone. As much as I love Jamaica, a part of me felt like there was more of the world I needed to see. I wanted exposure. I wanted growth. And to me, that next chapter began with university.

The process of applying and preparing to move abroad could honestly be its own series. It wasn’t easy. But so far, it has been worth it.

Still, the day I left Jamaica, my heart shattered. Home shifted from being something I freely enjoyed to something I suddenly longed for.

I’ll never forget my first day of school. Not only was I the “new kid,” but I was the new kid in a completely different country—and that reality hit fast.

I was determined to be independent, though.

That fine August morning, I left the house with absolutely no idea where I was going and headed straight to campus. Little did I know my two-and-a-half-hour journey was only supposed to be an hour. Looking back now, I can laugh. GPS quickly became my best friend, and thankfully, I had family support, so I wasn’t completely a fish out of water.

When I finally got to school, I realized the journey had truly just begun.

Now I had to interact with people from a variety of different cultures. Surprisingly, it wasn’t terrible—maybe because I had made a few connections before leaving Jamaica, so I had a slight head start. But even so, it’s difficult not to know anyone. You’re trying to figure out social cues, the do’s and don’ts, who your real friends are, and who you just eat lunch with.

Trust me, I’m still learning.

By the end of orientation, I felt exhausted, mentally and physically drained. I had to call family to pick me up because I simply couldn’t manage the commute again that day.

That was when it hit me:

These greener pastures definitely have thorns.

The reality set in when I realized the community I had back home wasn’t as accessible as it used to be. I had to figure everything out—grocery stores, finding a phone plan, and don’t even get me started on transit.

Lord.

I remember…

About three weeks in, I confidently got on a bus to the train station. On my phone and not paying attention (which I do not recommend), I noticed the ride started feeling much longer than usual.

I remember thinking, “What am I doing on the highway when the station is only 15 minutes away?”

I was this close to tears.

When I said to myself, “Look how mi lost now.”

When the bus finally stopped, I asked the driver if I was on the right bus. He told me I had the correct number, just the wrong direction.

That day I learned the little letters on the bus signs are extremely important.

Looking back, I can laugh.

It wasn’t easy, but I’m getting there.

Beyond the environmental adjustments, there was also the academic shift. The expectations, the structure, and the level of independence required are different. I had to learn as I go, and I’m still learning.

Every day.

But if there’s one thing this journey has taught me, it’s that community means everything.

Not just the people here who guide and support you, but also the ones miles away who are constantly cheering you on.

The greener pastures are real.

But so are the thorns.

And somehow, both are shaping me into someone stronger than I was before.

With love,

Rayanna.

Growth will always require leaving something familiar, comfort, certainty, even versions of yourself you once depended on. The “in-between” is not a detour; it’s the development ground. It’s where resilience is built, identity is refined, and the assignment or purpose begins to take shape.

So if you find yourself in an in-between season, feeling stretched, uncertain, or even a little lost, know this: you are not behind. You are becoming.

If this resonates with you and you’re navigating your own season of change, I invite to get a copy of our book for guidance on growing with intention and clarity.

You don’t have to figure it out alone.

With grace and gratitude,

Sanchia and team.

About the Author

Rayanna Clarke is a first-year student at the University of Toronto, studying Political Science with a minor in Ethics, Law and Society, and Educational Studies. She is passionate about understanding the systems that shape society and is committed to using that knowledge to make a meaningful impact.

With a strong love for reading and a genuine dedication to helping others, Rayanna actively engages in associations and initiatives that support her community. As a student striving to pave her own path, she approaches every opportunity with determination, curiosity, and a desire to grow. Her journey is guided by both purpose and compassion, as she continues working toward creating positive change.

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