Loneliness
When I left school in 8th grade to start Conrad Academy—yes, I named it after myself—I wasn’t nervous. I was ready. I felt like I had finally broken out of a system that wasn’t preparing me for the future I actually wanted. The traditional education system felt outdated, rigid, and too focused on memorization instead of creativity, freedom, or real-life skills. So I made the choice to step away and create something better.
At the beginning, I was excited. I didn’t think much about loneliness. I was too focused on the opportunity ahead of me—the ability to learn on my own terms. It wasn’t until later, when things got quieter, that I began to feel it a bit. I missed the daily routine of being around my friends. I missed the small conversations, the energy, the community. And when I reconnected with some of my old classmates, one of them asked me, “Do you ever feel lonely?”
At first, I did.
It’s strange shifting from a crowded classroom to studying alone. Watching people you used to see every day move on without you can feel isolating. But the truth is, that feeling didn’t last forever. Over time, the silence became something I appreciated. I realized that being alone doesn’t have to mean feeling lonely.
Having time to myself gave me space to think clearly, grow at my own pace, and focus on what truly mattered to me. And when I wanted to connect with people, I could always send a message. If a friend responded, great—we’d catch up, talk, maybe even play a game. And if they didn’t respond, or responded with attitude, then that was their loss. I wasn’t going to waste time worrying about people who didn’t value the friendship.
Leaving school also gave me the chance to meet new people. I’ve made friends through church, volleyball tournaments, online communities, and later, during my travels across Central and South America. I started connecting with people from different places and different backgrounds. I found that even across languages and borders, there’s always something you can bond over—sports, conversations, shared interests. It widened my world.
I also had the support of my family the entire way. They were there when I needed to talk, when I needed help, or just someone to listen. That kind of support made a huge difference, especially in the early stages of this journey.
So, do I ever feel lonely now? No, not really. I’ve built a life that’s meaningful to me. I’ve stayed in touch with the people who matter, and I’ve made space for new relationships to grow. And I’ve learned that solitude can be one of the best tools for discovering who you are.
If you’re thinking about stepping into something new—something that might require leaving people behind—don’t let the fear of loneliness stop you. It might show up at first, but it won’t stay forever. You’ll grow, you’ll adapt, and you’ll find connection again—sometimes in places you never expected.
And if you ever do feel lonely, just reach out to people. Some people will show up for you. Others won’t. Some people are too petty or are just plain out a bitch. Just let it go, you've got better things ahead of you than them.
Live your life, don't let others judge you.
