Tufts Blogs

When I arrived back from Thailand, I knew adjusting wouldn’t be a walk in the park. The Civic Semester offered me the rare and noble opportunity to form deep friendships—bonds that I knew would be hard to live without after three transformative months of sharing space. I missed those moments, like making breakfast together without any prior knowledge of what my friends might prepare. Yet, I trusted them completely, and every meal became a delightful surprise.

I often reminisced about the Thursday conversations at 11 a.m., where we would gather and openly share our emotional, physical, and practical needs for the week. These sessions allowed us to connect on such a profound level, making me feel heard and supported. I missed the group bike rides to the Huay Lan Reservoir—an adventure that felt like pure magic. I vividly recall the time I fell into the rice paddies, captivated by the breathtaking scenery. The serene fields were dotted with grazing cows, and as someone from a pastoral region, the sight filled me with nostalgia. My gaze lingered a moment too long, and before I knew it, I was rewarded with a tumble into the muddy water. The memory now makes me laugh more than cringe.

One of my friends mentioned that they had visited nearly every café near our homestay families, even biking for an hour just to reach them. While I loved biking, I never attempted such a long ride. Still, I cherished our shared moments, like during the Loy Krathong festival, when we lit fireworks that painted the night sky with dazzling colors.

They say absence makes the heart grow fonder, and I find that to be true. I now appreciate even the smallest things, like the nights we ventured out to capture the beauty of the stars. These moments, though fleeting, have turned into some of the sweetest memories of my life. Reminiscing brings a smile to my face as I realize how fortunate I was to have experienced it all.

Adjusting to life back home wasn’t without its challenges. My internal clock was completely out of sync in the first few days. I found myself falling asleep at 4 p.m., waking up at 11 p.m., and staying awake through the night. The shorter days, with darkness setting in around 4 p.m., made the adjustment even trickier.

One of my most cherished moments upon returning was meeting the Civic Semester alumni from previous cohorts. Sharing common stories and being warmly welcomed back to campus filled my heart with gratitude. Lunches and dinners with fellow students became a source of comfort, their caring presence making me feel a little less homesick. I’ve also made wonderful new friends with whom I share so much joy and laughter.

When I left Thailand, I made a promise to my homestay family and instructors: I would continue learning Thai and, perhaps someday, find a "feen maa jaak brapteet Thai" (significant other from Thailand). To honor that promise, I reached out to the Thai Students Association and asked to join their group. They welcomed me with open arms, and now I have the opportunity to keep practicing the language and deepening my connection to Thai culture. I hope to return to Thailand someday to visit my homestay family and relive those cherished experiences.

Acclimating to the cold has been an adventure in itself, but being reunited with my Civic Semester friends has made the transition so much easier. Together, we’ve shared countless laughs, reliving the beautiful moments we created in Thailand. Now, as the first day of the Spring Semester begins, we find ourselves marveling at the incredible connections we built with one another.

This journey has taught me the value of community, the joy of shared experiences, and the importance of holding onto the memories that shape us. Though we are back in our routines, the friendships and lessons from Thailand continue to inspire me every day.