Chronicle of an homecoming

5 years ago, I decided to return to my home country after spending more than ten years abroad. The struggle was real! The shock was cultural, social, economic, and so on. Pretty normal for when people have developed habits they naturally apprehend change, they resist it and sometimes want to avoid or flee from it. However, like everything else, you can choose to see change from two perspectives: the fear of the unknown or the excitement of discovering or rediscovering another world. I share with you my 10 tips for a successful homecoming: 1. Fear of the unknown shouldn't prevent you from taking the plunge. Be sure of your choice, get prepare and try! 2. Do not burn the bridges that will allow you to return 3. Once there, network to meet new people 4. Don't be afraid to start all over again 5. Be attentive, for opportunities are everywhere 6. Fight anxiety by maintaining a few habits you had when you were abroad 7. Be resilient by adapting to the environment without losing yourself 8. Maintain a sport activity (otherwise hello pounds!) 9. Stay positive! It won't be easy, but you will get there if you always look on the bright side of life 10. Remember, you are home! The most important thing however, is to be in tune with your inner self and to continue working on your dreams wherever you are. I end with a quote I like from Robert Frost “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference. " Peace and Peace, always!

Chronicle of an homecoming
Chronicle of an homecoming
Scarlett Zongo

Mandela Washington Fellow 2019, Entrepreneur, Sustainable development advocate, African cities lover