Youness and I had our final meeting in the same circumstances that we had our first: we got coffee. I wasn't able to attend his party because the time clashed with my schedule, and I was incredibly disappointed. I apologized over and over for not being able to go but Youness, being his usually kind self, assured me it was okay. We chatted like usual, just having a normal conversation and venting about college student woes. We bonded over how much work we still had left and how excited we were for the summer and getting a long, relaxing, and much needed break. I told Youness how much I was going to miss our meetings. He is an incredibly modest man and does not take flattery well, so I refrained from embarrassing him, but these hang outs and interactions have opened my mind. As I mentioned in my first post, I hate awkward situations despite the fact that I am an absolute professional at creating them. The most uncomfortable of these for me is language barriers, so these conversations seemed like they were doomed from the start for me. I cannot believe how wrong I was.
My meetings with Youness have completely changed my outlook on these supposed "awkward situations", because they do not have to be awkward at all. I always try to embrace the idea that "it's only awkward if you make it awkward". It's awkward that I've used the word 'awkward' six times in the past two and a half sentences, but I'm choosing to ignore it and BAM! no more awkward (in theory). My point is that it is the outlook that each person brings into a situation that determines how the conversation is going to go. Youness and I, from our first encounter, had a very positive disposition for how our meetings would progress, and I believe this is why we have become such good friends. What started out as an intimidating assignment has turned into a true friendship that has helped me grow as a person. I feel more ready to approach intimidating situations knowing that the best outcome is always possible, and I have a new respect for those who are brave enough to take on the challenge that people like Youness have.
At the end of our talk Youness informed me he is moving to New Jersey with his brother. Despite my disappointment, I am excited for him and again so proud at his bravery to branch out and see so many different parts of an unfamiliar country. We promised to stay in touch via text and email, and I sincerely hope this is true because I know Youness will do so many amazing things in his life in America and I would love to be a part of that.
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