I will be going on exchange to Vancouver, Canada this coming August.
People are really excited for me, including myself, although I didn't expect the planning process to be such a tough one.
Recently, many of my school friends just got their exchange destinations, and most of them posted on their instagram walls excitedly. For me, the excitement didn't come through that quickly. In fact, UBC is my 7th out of 8 choice, since I'm not smart enough for USA. I had to deal with many issues in my life and it wasn't particularly easy to accept that I'll be going to a far away place for 5 months. Don't get me wrong, I'm not feeling bitter at all, but my point is that people sometimes don't see the experience as a whole. No doubt going on exchange could be the most fulfilling and life-changing experience as a student, but it should be more than just travelling and having fun at every single moment.
I was talking to a friend earlier who has decided to forgo her exchange because she thought it wasn't the right season in her life. To me, that was really admirable because I thought going on exchange is THE experience for any uni student. I was feeling quite guilty at that moment because I know my exchange is gonna cost ALOT of money, and I'm gonna miss out moments with my cell girls. I was even worried that my walk with God would be compromised. Well, she asked me to write down goals before leaving, and prayed that I would experience God in a different way. And that's when I truly see the exchange experience in a different light. Especially when I'm not taking this trip as a long-awaited Sabbatical from my responsibilities in Singapore.
I guess the exhilaration largely feeds on the Instagram posts we see of our friends. But as you all know and refuse to admit, instagram glamorises experiences and is an inaccurate representation of how 'good' life actually is for that person. So, I guess most people are mostly looking forward to encountering picturesque moments to share with their friends.
I do not deny that part of me wants to experience that as well. But I know that'll be stupid because it isn't entirely real. Going on exchange is fun, but it shouldn't (and won't) be fun every single moment. So, instead of looking for that perfect shot and filter, I should happily accept that there will be ups and downs in the course of the next 4.5 months. What is most important is my response and personal growth. And of course, truly learn about the culture in another country (just like how I did in SSM Guangzhou!)
My goals (not in any order):
1. Attend church and fellowship. I am especially worried about this. In my 12 days in Guangzhou, I only did QT twice! And I chose to go on a roller coaster than attend a Sunday service. And this is just 12 days! I'll be travelling for 3 weeks in the US, and the itinerary is so packed that I would not have time to attend a service. Which brings me to my next point.
2. Listen to online sermons when necessary. Besides that, I think the way to stay close to God is to be reminded of God all the time. And this can be down through constant prayer, in my case. I also hope to 3. pray for the people I encounter, or even strangers I have bumped into. Since God gave me the opportunity to travel to the other side of the world, I can do my part by praying for that particular place as well.
4. Read up on Canada's history! Or maybe just things about Canada. I especially enjoyed my time in Guangzhou because I was looking at the place not as a tourist, but as a student who knows the reason and history behind all the developments. I want to do that for Canada.
5. Hike! One of the most exciting things. Canada is blessed with mountains, ridges, rivers, seas, skies. Not to hike would be a HUGE pity. I would probably want to join a hiking club in school so I can meet local friends as well. I was thinking of skipping Seattle and spend the time and money to visit more places in Canada.
6. Have alone time. I think this is a given, but I really want to set aside time to explore the city, walk around, get lost (safely of course). Sometimes when we're with a bunch your senses just fail to detect beautiful things around.
7. Keep in touch with my family frequently. Well, this shouldn't even be inside here cos it's a MUST. But just a reminder yeah.
8. Reaaaaaaaad. I hope books are cheaper there.
That's 8 at the moment! I guess my main point is to not go by the "wanderlust" kind of moment but truly learn about myself, God and how I can be his salt and light even somewhere else. I truly believe it will be an exciting 4.5 months, be it travelling or just chilling in my room.
Adios!
Friday, July 10, 2015
Saturday, July 4, 2015
The 'SG50' logo again but this time it's legit and serious.
This week, I attended a conference organized by the Institute of Policy Study (IPS), LKY School of PP, and NUS, discussing various issues pertaining to Singapore's future in the next 50 years.
Entitled SG50+: What lies ahead, this conference aims to predict/forecast problems Singapore might face in all areas. This includes international relations, talent management, governance and even climate change.
I got to know of this opportunity through an email sent by SOCSC's office. I mean like, how many of you actually read through these emails and sign up for conferences, right? I thought this was quite interesting and since it was free, might as well just try. Students were selected based on a random basis. I was pretty shocked when I received the acceptance email and went "OMG, I have never been so lucky in my life!!", but paused for a while and thought maybe I was the only one who signed up.
Prior to the conference, I was dreading because I had to take leave from my work and I considered it to be a hassle travelling all the way to Shangri-La hotel. But I really did gain very meaningful insights through the speakers and the people I have networked around my table, and I have never felt so small (in a good way though).
The invited guest-of-honour, our very own Prime Minister, Mr Lee Hsien Loong. And wowwww, I can tell you, I was starstruck. So when I heard that the PM insisted to speak despite feeling unwell, my inner fan girl moment came along.
He was tossed with various questions and views about Singapore's economic miracle, and yes, it is indeed presumptuous to oversimplify the remarkable growth Singapore has enjoyed since independence. But it is definitely essential, in PM's words, "to count our blessings everyday, if not at every election". This is very true, and of course it drew laughter and applause among the audience. Fangirl moment no. 2 struck again. (How does he manage to deliver such humour even when feeling unwell??)
Besides hearing PM speak, I was fed with many intellectual debates by notable speakers, including our very own DPM and ESM, several ambassadors from MFA, foreign speakers, and even the ex-PM of UK, Sir John Major. Honestly, I felt so out of place there because I have very minimal knowledge about the history of politics and the role of all these big shots seating amidst us. I found that I was ignorant of the many different affairs that are happening around the world that can make or break Singapore even as a liveable place. I'm not just talking about the correlation of international relations and its economy; I am putting a statement forward by saying these relations are so important that they CAN, and will affect Singapore's existence.
I truly had a rewarding experience at the conference, especially this is my first. The letdown is the lack of discussion about internal affairs. Yes, foreign policy and management is very important especially in this day and age (South China Sea, USA-China, ISIS, Greece) but I expected a little more discussion about social management and community building. I was hoping for someone to speak about foreign talent, social tension, poverty, aging population; more micro issues. Now I can truly see the sociologist in my blood.
Anyway, I think the whole conference was worth my time and effort and I would definitely want to attend more of these dialogues. Apparently and shockingly, we heard from Prof Eugene Tan (who was sitting beside us) that corporates pay $1,500 for a ticket in here. And I got it for free, sponsored by the SG50 celebrations committee (I'm not sure, don't quote me on this). Nevertheless, I'm glad to have spent my Friday at such a prestigious event, and happy to be writing on this blog again.
P.S. I will defo write crazier, less serious, and lame stuff on my next post!
Entitled SG50+: What lies ahead, this conference aims to predict/forecast problems Singapore might face in all areas. This includes international relations, talent management, governance and even climate change.
I got to know of this opportunity through an email sent by SOCSC's office. I mean like, how many of you actually read through these emails and sign up for conferences, right? I thought this was quite interesting and since it was free, might as well just try. Students were selected based on a random basis. I was pretty shocked when I received the acceptance email and went "OMG, I have never been so lucky in my life!!", but paused for a while and thought maybe I was the only one who signed up.
Prior to the conference, I was dreading because I had to take leave from my work and I considered it to be a hassle travelling all the way to Shangri-La hotel. But I really did gain very meaningful insights through the speakers and the people I have networked around my table, and I have never felt so small (in a good way though).
The invited guest-of-honour, our very own Prime Minister, Mr Lee Hsien Loong. And wowwww, I can tell you, I was starstruck. So when I heard that the PM insisted to speak despite feeling unwell, my inner fan girl moment came along.
He was tossed with various questions and views about Singapore's economic miracle, and yes, it is indeed presumptuous to oversimplify the remarkable growth Singapore has enjoyed since independence. But it is definitely essential, in PM's words, "to count our blessings everyday, if not at every election". This is very true, and of course it drew laughter and applause among the audience. Fangirl moment no. 2 struck again. (How does he manage to deliver such humour even when feeling unwell??)
Besides hearing PM speak, I was fed with many intellectual debates by notable speakers, including our very own DPM and ESM, several ambassadors from MFA, foreign speakers, and even the ex-PM of UK, Sir John Major. Honestly, I felt so out of place there because I have very minimal knowledge about the history of politics and the role of all these big shots seating amidst us. I found that I was ignorant of the many different affairs that are happening around the world that can make or break Singapore even as a liveable place. I'm not just talking about the correlation of international relations and its economy; I am putting a statement forward by saying these relations are so important that they CAN, and will affect Singapore's existence.
I truly had a rewarding experience at the conference, especially this is my first. The letdown is the lack of discussion about internal affairs. Yes, foreign policy and management is very important especially in this day and age (South China Sea, USA-China, ISIS, Greece) but I expected a little more discussion about social management and community building. I was hoping for someone to speak about foreign talent, social tension, poverty, aging population; more micro issues. Now I can truly see the sociologist in my blood.
Anyway, I think the whole conference was worth my time and effort and I would definitely want to attend more of these dialogues. Apparently and shockingly, we heard from Prof Eugene Tan (who was sitting beside us) that corporates pay $1,500 for a ticket in here. And I got it for free, sponsored by the SG50 celebrations committee (I'm not sure, don't quote me on this). Nevertheless, I'm glad to have spent my Friday at such a prestigious event, and happy to be writing on this blog again.
P.S. I will defo write crazier, less serious, and lame stuff on my next post!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)