I'm currently in Yale doing summer school and counting my blessings that I've been able to have so many amazing experiences and encounters with wonderful people in my past year. Sometimes I stop to pause and rethink if my decision a year ago was the right thing to do. Giving up my dream since I was a child, and trading off many things dear to me in Singapore. Making a decision that has such a huge bearing on my life was really tough, but I'm really glad it's over.

My dad always told me that once I made the decision, I should just live with it. In other words, appreciate its merits and try to negate its demerits. In the past year that just flew past faster than I thought it would have, I must say I have been quite blessed.

Firstly, it is the amazing experiences that going overseas have brought me. Being able to study in London made me realised how small my perspective has been, and how little global knowledge I have. Studying economics in London made me understand perspective of policy makers in the UK, and simply staying overseas has forced me to read the straits times everyday (more than I have ever read it back at home ironically) and somehow I'm more able to appreciate and pay attention to global affairs more than ever.

Also, travelling experiences. Being able to take the train in less than 2 hours to Paris, going on a 80 pound flight to Spain and exploring 5 cities in mere 11 days, going on weekend trips and being to the States twice already....these are things that many people would never dream of. I've learnt how to navigate in unfamiliar streets, speak to people in a foreign language I've merely picked up in a few days, appreciate architecture and history a lot more than ever.

I must say also, that living overseas have really made me grown a lot more. When I first went overseas, I suddenly find myself having to take on a lot of responsibility - little things like making my bed every morning, doing laundry, cleaning my utensils and cups, organising my desk...things that my mom will always nag at me for. Even things like cooking when I am hungry, buying groceries, budgeting my expenditure...part and parcel of living overseas I guess is learning how to take care of yourself. Also, learning how to appreciate what you have back at home. Something as simple as being able to see your family means so much to me. I skype my family everyday. It's become a routine. I've talked more to my parents more than ever, and my brother as well, because the biggest trade off to me coming overseas is relinquishing the very previous time I have with my family. I remembered crying so much when they came to visit me, and of course when they parted as well.

It's funny also how Singaporeans flock together overseas. The bond among people who share a common nationality is amazing...in my hall, all the Singaporeans are super tight. It's true that going overseas is a chance to make more international friends, and yes I have, but I have also forged very strong friendships with many Singaporeans overseas that will definitely last, because ultimately many of us will be going back home. Being able to talk about our favourite food, dimsum and zichar, our favourite hideouts, our family, singapore issues etc. together every meal time made me less homesick.

This brings me to my last point, which is that I have been very fortunate to have been able to meet so many wonderful people in my last year, without which I would not have enjoyed my life in London so much. My roommate, hallmates, coursemates, spain trip gang..made me realise how the simplest favour can mean so much to a receiver.

It's three weeks more to Singapore, I'm really really excited. I've been through this many times...thinking about how happy I will be when I finally see Changi Airport and that sign that says welcome back to home. Home. Living overseas for a year has really redefined its meaning.