The benefit of social media

I think social media, no matter what it is, Facebook, Twitter or even Skype is a revolution. It gives us so much power that we don't even realize how helpful it is. It gives voice to those who are unheard or connects those who are far away from the loved once. Social media is very helpful, especially when we travel abroad. Those who have been abroad well know what I mean.

During our Skype conversation with my family.

In 2010 I came to Ball State University, Muncie, Ind., as an exchange student and the only way I could communicate with my friends and family from back home, Tajikistan, was through Facebook. Back than my family didn't know how to use Skype, so we communicated via Facebook for a while. That didn't work well because we couldn't see each other. I taught my family how to use Skype and from that moment on we have been using it for different reasons. I've even had lunch with them. My poor mom! She gets so happy every time when we Skype. She says, "Safar, I know that it's not like you are here physically but morally you are with us. We are happy that we can at least see you." What a miracle. Isn't that wonderful? It connects us even though we are so far away from each other.

I haven't been home for more than two years now. Last year, I got engaged and my family met my fiancé through Skype. All of them were so happy. In the summer of 2014 I am getting married and realized that since my family won't be able to come due to financial expenses, why not to Skype our wedding, so that they also participate in my American wedding. Everything is set for that to happen. It just made things so much easy for me.

I am sharing this peace of my life because I wanted to share my opinions on what I think of social media and let others know and realize that it can be used in ways that is helpful to us. The platform gives us options; it’s just up to us how to use it.