Dawn was still a ways out as I unceremoniously tumbled my suitcase down the staircase of my childhood home. Ralph, our jet black labrador, tangling under my feet for the very last time. My mum handed me a coffee to go and my dad dragged my luggage to the car, making his mandatory snarky comment about how much it weighed along the way.

Not a single word was spoken as we meandered the sleeping roads, watching the sun rise over the rolling hills of the South Downs. Passing trails containing the memories of countless bike rides with my family, and woods of camping trips with my friends. My heart already ached at the thought of leaving it all behind. There’s comfort in familiarity, but something in my DNA has always longed for more.

I know my parents are proud of me, albeit apprehensive about my decision to go so far so fast. I reminded them that human behaviour dictates I will eventually retreat back to my roots. But for now, there’s a world of infinite experiences tailor made for me and that is a calling I cannot ignore.