Departure – A Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity

(Saturday, March 16, 2025)

"It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

As I sat at the airport, my thoughts drifting to home, I reminded myself of what my boyfriend, Louis, had just told me before dropping me off.

For months, I had planned this five-month adventure with excitement. But as the departure date approached, excitement gave way to nervousness and sadness—I would miss home, and I would miss him. Fortunately, final exams at Booth and a busy week at my part-time job kept me too occupied to fully process those emotions.

Louis, ever thoughtful, had planned a wonderful send-off with his parents. A cozy aperitif featuring a delicious, naturally lactose-free Norwegian cheese. A lovely dinner: yuzu-sake-soaked chicken with zucchini, preserved lemon, and saffron—a dish of his I adore. The next morning was a whirlwind of last-minute packing and navigating O’Hare amid the chaos of St. Patrick’s Day weekend, where the air smelled distinctly of alcohol.

Finally settled at the Wicker Park Seafood & Sushi Bar in Terminal 1—a family favorite—I felt my nerves creeping in. A long journey ahead: a connecting flight, meeting my famille d’accueil (host family), settling into a new city, all within 24 hours. Wanting something comforting, I opted for the safest choice on the menu, without seafood or sushi: a grilled chicken avocado sandwich with kettle-cooked chips. Then, I pulled out The French Ingredient, a gift from Louis’ mother—an American woman’s memoir of living and entrepreneuring in Paris.

"It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," I reminded myself again, turning my focus to the book.

The dedication read: To all the dreamers.

I got lost in the pages. The author’s story—boarding school, moving abroad, starting a business alone—mirrored parts of my own journey. But her inner voice was lighter, more naturally optimistic, uncomplicated. Maybe, one day, I’d write my own story.

The flights were uneventful and exhausting, as expected. I missed home like crazy. But “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

I had finished my MBA coursework early and carved out this five-month semi-vacation before officially starting my post-graduation job at Walmart. (Still keeping my remote part-time work, of course.)

It’s going to be an adventure.

First stop: Lyon, France. Language school.

I have a suitcase, a few books, my yoga mat, my running shoes, and an appetite for exploring the gastronomy capital of France.

And at 31, I’m staying with a host family for the first time.

I smiled to myself.