As you stand here alone
The winding road stretched before you
Say goodbye to your cozy home
Start the journey that will define you
Feel the excitement well up inside you
So much to experience, to take in
Come play, come learn,
The entire world as your teacher
Absorb that for which you yearn.

Each destination
Welcomes you with open arms and loving care
Friendships to be created and mended
Take the leap if you dare
The exhilaration that you share
This is your adventure, your journey
Experience the adrenaline rush
The exhaustion, confusion, laughter
The heartbeat of your first crush.

Explore the history
The cultures and languages that surround you
Unveil the lurking mystery
Of myths and country laws that govern you
The boundaries of independence and freedom too
Go ahead, make mistakes
You have to learn from those
Situations that bring you to your knees, to be humble
It directs you to the road you initially chose.

Then a second road appears
You become aware of a shared purpose
The merger of your hopes, your goals, your fears
Another meaning to life, a new compass.
Buy your ticket, enter the circus
Clowns and acrobats
Animals and trainers, the show’s a blast
Learn to juggle, to prioritize
Create memories of your present and past

Stop............ steal a quiet moment
Pull out that old, wrinkled map.
Look back at the road you have traveled
Gather your belongings, pack your bag
Take some time to recover from the jet lag
Close your eyes
No more time to lend
Rest in piece
This journey has finally come to an end.