I have traveled to the Philippines ever since I was a small child, but this trip was the first time I have ever traveled alone internationally. I was 16 at the time and wanted a taste of independence. My parents trusted me to travel to the Philippines since I had experience traveling there in the past and I planned to stay with my extended family. I remember being so excited and also terrified to travel alone, but I’m glad that I followed through with my ideas. I had such a freeing experience in the Philippines because I had the ability to create my own agenda. I traveled to islands, beaches, and towns that I have never been before. I was aware enough to immerse myself into the culture. I tried to learn and practice as much Tagalog as I could. I helped my grandmother cook my favorite homemade meals. I got to bond with my cousins in a sincere way. I developed a deeper love for my family's home country and a deeper love for travel. I also gained a stronger sense of confidence in myself as I was navigating through new situations. I was traveling through foreign airports and foreign cities to get to my destination. At one part of my trip, I had a connecting flight in a completely different airport than the one I had landed in. I had a layover in Japan and only two hours to figure out a way to the next airport for my next flight. I implemented my problem-solving skills and started observing other passengers that might be in the same situation as me. After learning that there was a group going to that same airport, I used my people skills to engage in conversation about how we can all get to our destination safely. With help from others, I learned to take a bus over to the next airport. It was a stimulating learning experience.