Transition

Ten weeks ago, I was at the airport, spending my final moments with my beloved family and friends in Singapore before I embarked on the journey to the United States of America.

It was a bittersweet moment to say goodbye and live in a foreign land for almost half a year. I am still thankful for the people who came to the airport and also to those who spent time with me during the week before my departure.

Ten weeks from now, I’m sure that I will experience the same emotions when I’m at the airport returning back home. Read till the end to find out.

As I looked back at these 10 weeks, I realized that there were plenty of changes I made in my life. My past self would be very surprised with the current lifestyle. The struggles which took place gave me strength in many ways.

I still can remember the thoughts I had when I entered the boarding gate. I told myself “This is it, I am on my own, going to a place where I do not know anyone.” I knew I had to start afresh, making first impressions and doing other things for the first time.

I am glad to say that I adapted to the life here, and I do not feel the urge to return home. Is that good or bad news? You decide.

Communication

Understanding the local accent here is not a problem. Back home, I am so used to speaking in “Singlish.” For those who do not know what that is, it’s actually a language made up by Singaporeans. Back to my story. I had to transition to using proper English in my sentences. At the start, I had to process certain sentences in my head before actually saying it. It took a few weeks to transition to using certain American terms and “commonly used words.” It was a struggle but I am adapting to using those terms, for those back home, please bear with me if I use such terms which might make me sound “fake.”

Food

My past self would never imagine being on a diet without consuming meat(except seafood) for more than 5 days a week. Even though there are meat options around campus, I only consume them only once a week. I am very fortunate to get the opportunity to experience this change of lifestyle and being able to control my cravings is certainly a bonus.

People

I remembered walking on campus alone, not knowing anyone. I knew I had to make connections, grow my network and be positive. I remembered having lunch alone on my first day, and I was on my phone the whole time, communicating with the people back home. I made plenty of connections here. Each person I met taught me something. Either by their stories or by their actions. I feel truly blessed right now. I always feel a sense of belonging whenever I am around certain people. Their words, expressions & gestures are delightful. Saying goodbye would definitely be painful.

For the people back home, I do miss you. I still remember the experiences and I can’t wait to reunite with all of you and share my stories.

If I had the chance to rewind and make changes at the start of my journey, I wouldn’t change a thing. There were times when I made bad decisions but I am thankful for it. Those decisions certainly taught me a valuable lesson.

Coming here alone is a huge blessing rather than a struggle.