Feeling out of place is an experience that most people encounter at least once in their lives. It often involves stepping into an environment where the surroundings, people, or culture feel foreign, unfamiliar, or even intimidating. Whether it’s at a social event, a new job, or traveling to a different country, the sensation can be disorienting and isolating. I’ll take you through a hypothetical but relatable narrative about feeling out of place to give you insight into how such moments might unfold and their emotional impact.
A Journey to the Unknown It was the summer of my junior year in college, and I had just been accepted into an international exchange program in Tokyo, Japan. Having grown up in a small town in the Midwest, I had always been fascinated by the allure of other cultures, especially Japan’s, with its blend […]