JINJIN LI
Before you leave, after you go

This project captures the experiences of my female friends who, as international students in the United States, navigate the complexities of belonging. Our relationship with Atlanta was intricate; neither tourists nor fully integrated, we found ourselves neither fully belonging to this foreign land nor to the transient apartments we called home.

Amidst this uncertainty, the companionship of friends provided a sense of solace and connection. The bonds we formed with each other mirrored our growing attachment to the city around us.

However, the departure of one friend due to a change in legal status after graduation brought the transient nature of our situation into sharp focus. This project explores the dynamics of friendship in the face of inevitable parting, reflecting on how these lasting connections gave us the strength to confront an uncertain future. The moments of joy we shared became even more precious because of their fleeting nature.

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