On to the Next
For the past month, I have attempted to process my thoughts on this new adventure. This Fall semester, I’ll be on a direct exchange at the National University of Singapore. In typical Cathy fashion, I kept my schedule incredibly busy these last weeks that my mind has been consumed by everything besides the idea of me fleeing the country for 6 months.
As I completed my physician shadowing gig, summer quarter, and work at SCCA, I finally began to catch up and say bye to friends within the 2 days I had before I departed. During those many social interactions, I was consistently asked, “Are you nervous?” I responded with a “no” because to be honest, I hadn’t processed what I was getting myself into. On top of that, I had no idea what the heck I was doing in terms of student visa and all the confusing paperwork and logistics. However, when I was frantically packing, this was my thought process.
I worried about feeling lonely abroad. I quickly refuted this thought by reminding myself what I have experienced and overcame in the past. Last summer, I lived in a small town in Germany for my research internship. To say the least, it was incredibly transformative, where I was forced to acclimate in a new environment completely alone. I truly learned how to be independent and how to enjoy my own company. To willingly choose to leave the comfort of your environment and people can be tough, but once again, I knew this would be an opportunity for new friendships and more personal growth.
Then, I considered the idea “will I make friends?” With this, I reminded myself the many times I have allowed my social anxiety to consume me by overthinking situations. Acclimating in any new environment takes time, but with patience, I know I will quickly feel at home with new friends.
Last thought, I wondered, how will I navigate being Asian-American when living in Singapore. The idea of somewhat physically fitting in, yet being culturally so different. This is something that I don’t have an answer to myself yet, but I’m curious to see what I will learn five months from now.
To be completely honest, I think I am more excited than nervous. In the sense that I know any situation I’ll be in, whether it’s comfortable or uncomfortable, will be another learning opportunity. With that, I am welcoming all new experiences and that’s the best mental preparation I can do.
A farewell picnic with friends who make me happy! :’)
