Growth

As the end of a year draws close, I feel like it's time to do some reflecting on what's happened thus far. I know it's cliche to do end of year reflections (so many people do it), but it's doubly important to me because my birthday comes 2 days after the start of a new year, so it really is a completely new year to me (in terms of calendar years and age). 

Australia has helped me to grow in ways I couldn't even begin to imagine prior to my arrival. The independence thrust onto me when I flew here is something I'd never have been able to experience had I stayed in Singapore. I learnt to do laundry, cook and clean the house on a regular basis. I dealt with sickness on my own, because no one else is around to nurse me back to health. It was liberating to have the freedom to do what I want. At the same time, it was isolating initially to do everything on my own. 

I never expected the independence I would get in university. In JC, I was constantly being pushed by my teachers to do better. We were handed out homework on an almost daily basis. Teachers wanted us to succeed. We were drilled to remember X, Y and Z. In uni though, it's a completely different story. Lecturers provide the information we need, but there's no pushing of any sorts. They tell us what to do if we want to succeed, but they don't nag. It's a refreshing change, a reminder to me that I'm independent and don't need this pushing. That I'm expected to manage my time without supervision. 

Block placement was an eye-opening experience. I had a taste of what it's like to work full time in my profession of choice in a school setting. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I still want to work with children. It's unfortunate that I have to wait for 6 years before I can pursue the path of paediatric speech pathology, but that's the choice I made 3 years ago. I made new friends and I got a taste of what it's like to be good friends with my housemate. I haven't had that for a while now. E is such an amazing friend and I'm really glad I got to live with her when I was on block placement. I'm thankful that we still keep in touch and I really hope we'll maintain our friendship in years to come.

I've spent more time on music this year and that's something I'm thankful for. I don't know what I'd do if I wasn't able to immerse myself in playing and listening to music. I made some upgrades (bought a USB microphone and downloaded recording software) and I feel more and more proud of my growth as a musician. I even performed in public on 2 occasions!

I didn't do much interstate/city travel within Australia this year, but I did visit some really amazing countries. I went to Tokyo, Busan, Seoul and New York. I really loved all the places I visited. Each place has its quirks and charm and I'd love to return.

Also, special mention to my chicken fam for being my constant in this tumultuous year. With so much happening back home, more than 3000 miles away, it can feel isolating to be away from loved ones. But I found this special family here and I'm thankful for the bonds we share. I'm grateful that I have people here I can depend on. 

New York City

A life changing trip. I'd never travelled beyond the continents of Asia & Oceania, so to visit North America, more specifically, New York City in the US of A was such an exciting prospect for me. I remember being apprehensive and excited simultaneously prior to my visit. I was worried about the firearm situation there and safety. And while on hindsight, NYC was not the safest city I've ever visited (I witnessed a fight break out in the subway station), I was never put in harm's way during my trip there. I never got catcalled or had dodgy people approach me.
I was able to fulfill my childhood dream of travelling to the States, to watch a musical on Broadway (Anastasia, no less), meet a Broadway star I've been fangirling about since forever, see the Statue of Liberty, appreciate artpieces by the masters that I never thought I'd see in my whole lifetime (the whole Van Gogh collection, Picasso, Monet, Rembrandt etc). It feels surreal to think that I was able to even see so much art on a single trip.
There's still more I want to do in New York. One day, I will return for you.