This collection captures a poignant moment in the lives of my two friends, photographed at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, my alma mater. As they prepared to move out, these images encapsulate their final moments in a space that was once a sanctuary of memories and experiences.

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Originating from Beijing, we share a common thread of venturing abroad for the first time, with them following a year behind me. This series marks their first experience of leaving a place they called home for a year, a rite of passage filled with mixed emotions.

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Through my lens, I've sought to convey their sense of longing, nostalgia, and a subtle touch of regret. Yet, amidst these feelings, there lies an undercurrent of hope and anticipation for the unknown future. Coincidentally, these days also commemorated their anniversary, adding a layer of depth and significance to the photographs.

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This collection is more than a mere documentation of a move; it's a visual journey through the complexities of transition, the bittersweet farewell to the familiar, and a tentative embrace of what lies ahead.