This week was truly one of the most amazing experiences of my life. What made it so special was finally meeting my cousin—someone I had only heard about but never met in person. He left Liberia for Australia right after the civil war in Liberia, two years after I was born, so our lives had never crossed paths until now. When he told me he was flying in from Adelaide Australia just to see me, I was filled with excitement but also a bit of nervousness. Would we get along? Would it feel like meeting a stranger, or would we instantly click?
As soon as we met, all my worries disappeared. It felt like reconnecting with a long-lost friend. We immediately started talking and laughing like we had known each other forever. The bond of family truly has a way of bridging distances and time. One of the most unforgettable moments of our time together was skydiving on Saturday at Sydney’s SkyOne Skydive. Before this experience, the thought of jumping out of a plane seemed absolutely terrifying to me. I had always admired people who did it, but I never thought I would be one of them. However, with my cousin’s encouragement, I decided to push myself beyond my fears and give it a try.
As we ascended in the plane, my heart raced with both excitement and nervousness. The instructor went over the safety guidelines one last time, but all I could think about was the moment I would have to jump. When the plane door opened and I stepped to the edge, I could feel my stomach drop. The wind was roaring past me, and for a second, I wanted to turn back. But then—I jumped. For the first five seconds, fear completely took over. The rush of air, the sensation of falling, and the sheer height made my mind race. But then, just as I had been instructed, I felt three taps on my back. That was my signal to spread my arms, and as I did, something incredible happened. The fear melted away, replaced by pure confidence.
The wind, which I thought would be harsh and aggressive, was actually smooth and supportive. I felt weightless, like I was floating rather than falling. I had expected chaos, but instead, I found peace. For the next few minutes, I soared through the sky, learning to control the parachute and enjoying a breathtaking view of Sydney from above. When I finally landed safely on the ground, I felt an overwhelming sense of accomplishment. Not only had I conquered my fear, but I had also unlocked a new sense of freedom within myself. I walked away that day with more than just a skydiving certificate—I walked away with a life lesson: On the other side of fear, there is freedom, growth, and endless possibilities. Instead of telling yourself, “I can’t,” start saying, “I can, and I will.”
After such an adrenaline-filled morning, my cousin and I spent the afternoon on a much more relaxing activity—shopping for Liberian food! As someone living away from home, I often miss the familiar flavors and scents of Liberia. So, when I found my favorite non-alcoholic beverage, Malta, I was beyond excited! But the real highlight of our shopping trip was finally getting to enjoy palm butter, my favorite Liberian dish, which I hadn’t had in over a year. The rich, flavorful taste immediately transported me back home, bringing a wave of comfort.
To wrap up our weekend together, we planned something extra special for Sunday night—a luxurious dinner at SkyFeast, one of Sydney’s tallest and most prestigious restaurants. The moment we arrived, I was captivated by the stunning 360-degree view of the city. As we dined on an exquisite selection of food, I couldn’t help but reflect on how grateful I was for this moment.
After dinner, we drove to Bondi beach to take in the serene night sky and listen to the waves crashing against the shore. It was the perfect way to conclude our time together. Finally, my cousin dropped me back at my apartment, and as we said our goodbyes, I realized just how much this weekend had meant to me. This experience reminded me of the importance of family bonding, no matter the distance or time apart. Meeting my cousin, facing my fears, and embracing new adventures made this week unforgettable. These moments will stay with me forever, and I can’t wait to create even more memories with him in the future.
This week taught me that life begins at the edge of our comfort zones. Whether it’s reconnecting with family, trying something new, or facing our fears head-on, every challenge is an opportunity for growth. Sometimes, the things we are most afraid of lead us to the greatest joys.
So, if you’re ever faced with fear, remember this:
Fear is temporary, but the rewards of courage last a lifetime.