Another Beginning .

" To my dearest TF scholars , please do not be sad that you are leaving , as this is not a farewell , but rather just a short separation that will only make our bonds stronger when we meet again " , said the little angel of our TF family on her speech . This was followed by a lot other inspiring and touching speeches , but that quote of hers especially , was etched deeply into my mind , stirring powerful emotions that almost bring me to tears .

Then it struck me , it was the end of my exchange semester . It was time to part with the people whom I have called family for the past few months , to part with the futuristic looking campuses , and the fascinating urban metropolis in Singapore which I have grown familiar with . 

Our last event ended at 3 pm , however , then the day seems to pass by in a blur . I remember vaguely about taking countless pictures , seeing lots of tears , making promises to meet again soon , rushing back to pack my stuffs and get ready to leave at 7 pm . My bus was scheduled to depart at 10 pm , and the journey to the bus terminal was supposed to take only 1 hour , but I chose to depart earlier for fear of missing the bus and because I do not know exactly where the bus terminal is . 




Some of my friends accompanied me on the way to the bus stop to send me off , and I am very grateful for that ( Thanks Boon Siong , Elin , Dan and Victor ! ) . The plan was to take a 196 smrt bus to the Lavender MRT , then to walk to the Golden Miles Bus Terminal . When we arrived at the bus stop , the 196 has already arrived . However , I chose to skip this bus and wait for another 196 bus because I felt bad leaving them so abruptly when they had taken the time to send me off . And it turns out to be the right choice .

Apparently , the second bus driver was a Malaysian as well , and after engaging in a conversation , he told me that his bus will pass by Golden Miles as well , and I don't have to change to MRT and to walk a longer distance to reach there . What a blessing in disguise . Also , there's another uncle in the bus that helps with my luggage and keeping me fascinated ( and humbled as well ) by his stories . Then , it struck me . How incredibly blessed I am to be surrounded by good people . 

By the time I got to the bus terminal , I was 1 hour earlier ( like what you mentioned , Boon Siong , I went way too early haha :P ) . Yet , I was grateful , for I have more time to reflect and ponder upon what has transpired over this semester . I took a bus that will take 10 hours long back home . Some of you might ask why ? When it's so much more convenient and less time-consuming by flight . Aside from being more cost-effective , I loved taking bus back home because it gives me a lot of time to reflect about my entire experience and pen them into thoughts . Besides , 10 hours passes by a lot faster when you know you are riding a bus back home . I relished looking at the clock , when every hour past means that I am closer to home . 

Looking back , it has been a long journey indeed . But as one of our talented TF scholar( Muthest ) puts it " it seems just like yesterday that we just touched down on Singapore , looking for our hostel and trying to settle in " . But one check at the calender reminds us of the reality , that 4.5 months has just whizzed by . Time do seem to fly when we were having fun . 

It was a mixed bundle of emotions recalling the memories I had in Singapore . Before I came to Singapore , one of the most distinctive rumors that I have heard are that Singaporeans are very kiasu ( scared to lose ) and kiasi ( scared to die ) . Well well , it turns out to be the furthest thing away from truth . Singaporeans are some of the friendliest people around , provided that you talk to them . Show them some love, and they will most likely reciprocate with much more love . Eventhough it's takes just a ride across the Causeway , it felt like completely brand new world once you're in Singapore . A lot of comparison has been made between Malaysia and Singapore , about how similar both countries are ,but after I have experienced it for myself , I would disagree . 

There are a lot of stuffs that are distinctively Singaporean in a way that Malaysia could never hope to imitate or rival ( as of now ) . Such as the perfectly streamlined system of public transportation , a remarkably organized way of arranging the buildings , a decent civil service system , and of course , the high presence of foreigners . Due to the last factor , if one wants to have some International exposure , don't bother going far . Singapore is just fine for you . A case in point , during this exchange semester , I have made friends with Canadians , Thais , Filipinos , Bruneian , Australian , and etc . It's amazing how these people can co-exist together , creating a unique cultural melting pot , that's truly International .

Also , due to this TF LeaRN programme that I am in , not only did I have the opportunity to travel and explore every nook and cranny of Singapore , this programme have also enabled me to bond closer with friends from around the South East Asia region , or as how the Director of the this program aptly said " Enables you to forge closer ties with the future leaders of ASEAN " . 

This programme also includes some mandatory community services , which enabled me and my fellow scholars to get down and interact with the community grassroots leaders and learn hands on about how to provider support to maintain a sustainable community services . Oh , and it also taught me that most Singapore community services , will give you a lot of goodie bags if you participate in it ( Most of them containing dri-fit T shirts too , so don't worry about having less clothes in Singapore , just join some community services ! ) 

I digressed . But apart from all the picturesque scenery , the luxurious , super nice facilities and amenities in my campus , above all of them , one thing that stood out in my memories , is the kindness and hospitality shown by fellow Singaporeans . It is the one thing that will struck me most if I were asked to talk about my Singaporean experience . I hereby express my sincerest gratitude to you all , Singaporeans or not , who have provided me with a jolly fun ride in this Lion City .

Also , to my TF Scholars , it's been such an honor meeting you guys ! Let's gather back in 5 years and make new memories ( as Victor proposed ) . To all of you who I have the pleasure of meeting and befriends of in Singapore , know this , it is truly a blessing knowing you guys . I will definitely be back again soon , and when I do , if time and space allows it , let's meet up and catch up :) Time may pass , and our memories may fade , but the bond we forged will last forever and ever . Thank You for everything , Singapore .