Finding My Place in a New City - Through Moonlight

Moving to a new country as an international student brought a wave of new experiences, but also a sense of being adrift. While people were friendly, I often felt like an observer, unsure how to connect with established communities. It was a lonely feeling, and honestly, a bit discouraging.

Then, I learned about The Moonlight Collective. Kelly, one of the co-founders, spoke to my class at USF about entrepreneurship and shared Moonlight’s mission of bringing communities together and creating a sense of belonging. It caught my attention.

My first experience was a Korean kalguksu (knife-cut noodle) making class with Judy and Chef Insoo. I was nervous walking in, not knowing anyone and wondering if I'd made a mistake. But as soon as I entered the space, the atmosphere felt different. It was surprisingly familiar, like walking into a room filled with all my aunties back home – the same warmth, the same easy chatter, the same feeling of being instantly embraced. Even though I was the youngest in the room, it didn't matter.

Judy and Chef Insoo were incredibly welcoming, and by the end of the night, we were sharing a meal and a moment, not just learning a recipe. It was a comforting taste of the family connection I was missing, where age didn't create distance.

A week later, I signed up for the Owl Tour with Rick. Again, I felt a bit hesitant – would it be awkward? Would I feel out of place? But like the first time, those worries faded quickly. The group was kind and curious, and Rick made the experience both enjoyable and memorable. I was the youngest there too, but that didn't stop me from feeling completely included. We weren’t just looking for owls; we were sharing a quiet appreciation for nature, a shared experience that transcended age.

What I’ve come to appreciate about Moonlight is that it creates opportunities for connection in a simple and authentic way. It’s about showing up as you are and finding openness and kindness, those familiar threads that weave us together, regardless of age or background.

For the first time in a while, I felt a sense of belonging, a comforting echo of the family I left behind, and that feeling – the feeling of truly belonging, even as the youngest one there – is something I truly value.

Written by Noor