It's been 12 hours since I left the humidly hot island that was my home and here I sit in the airport's holding room, waiting to board my connecting flight to my final destination -my new home.

It hurts to see people you love cry over you -well, at least I get hurt. Hearing the voices for one last time before taking off, the tears prominent by the tone of their voice -it breaks my heart to leave but then, it is for my future. There are so many opportunities out there for we kids who hold so much potential. It would be a waste to limit yourself within the walls of your comfort zone.

Just four more months and I will be eighteen. It is time I further develop my independence and start taking more responsibilities. I can't forever rely on my father's pockets and my mother's hands -I have to start using my OWN pockets and hands because pretty soon, they will no longer be strong enough to provide for me, and it will be me who will be providing for my little sisters and soon, my own family.

My heart aches and I yearn for the presence of those dear to me. My eyes are currently swollen from crying myself to sleep whilst my flight, my guts are even more tightly twisted than it is already. My feet are frozen cold from the plane and for my stupidity of wearing flip-flops on-board, but in spite of all that, I am happy.

The tears that were previously shed, the sad smiles exchanged, waves of goodbyes and tight, warm hugs -they're not the last of them. We will be seeing each other again so it's more of "see you soon!" than "farewell". We all have to move on with our lives and focus more on establishing ourselves as individuals. It's time for us to grow up.