Gracy Bee

2006 Overview

Posted on January 2nd, 2007 by GracyBee.
Categories: General.

I have decided after much debate, internal struggle and discussions, to leave UK and go back home for my future career advancement. It has not been an easy decision at all, after staying in UK for nearly 7 years. In fact, I have called other places ‘home’ since 1986, and to name Malaysia my home seems to be inappropriate as I don’t live in Malaysia and only go back during holidays. In a way, I’m more like a tourist rather than a citizen.
Tug of War

Just like in 1998, a big decision time whether to stay on in where I am now, or to go back to hometown for good. I have stayed in Spore for 13 years before I finally give up my place in NUS and my lifestyle to pursue overseas degree in UK. I haven’t regretted that decision, but I do regret not taking up the PR first.Now 2006 marked another milestone and have called England my home for 7 years. Much attached to this place, I have grew accustomed to English lifestyle and make some good friends and get to work extra money while studying.
J asked me out for lunch one particular afternoon and we had a long talk about my future. He talked me about different options and one of them was to s

tay on for another 3 years or so, to earn some money and jump at the chance when it arrived. He told me the chance is there waiting for me. Yet on the other hand, he said it would not be a good idea if I have to sacrifice much to stay on here.
Many people would feel puzzled why I’m sacrificing this chance and not staying in UK. Yes, it seem like a pity. But it is due to my personal reason that I make such decision. I have been overseas for 20 years, and for 16 years, my parents have slogged hard to support both my bro and I. Hence, it would be appropriate for me to go home to my parents after being away from them. Yes, is my personal decision. And after that, I might be around in the region to be closer, rather than be in place on the other side of the globe.
24 Sept 1999

It seem only like yesterday I first decided to come to UK for further studies, rather than to continue staying in Singapore. It was on 24 Sept 1999 that I first stepped foot in London Heathrow.

I harboured mixed feelings: excited and yet scared of a new land. What it would be like? Would I ever get used to a life so entirely different from Asian? Can I be friends with the English people? All sorts of questions.

I remembered my 1st disappointment when I first landed in the airport: why it is so old compared to Msian and Spore airports? Isn’t UK more advanced than Asian? But I’m impressed with the friendliness and helpfulness of the English people.

It took me 3 mths to get used to life in my 1st uni: Uni of Wales, Aberystwyth. Life is very relaxing and calm and managed to know more friends and life there started to get better. Fast forward, I transfered to Lancaster Uni for my 2nd and 3rd year. I started work officially in Golden Dragon Restaurant. That 2 years was my best years in UK out of 7 years.

After graduation, events dictated me to come back to UK, this time in Birmingham. I have to admit this was my most difficult period of 1 1/2 year in UK out of 7 years. Things started to get better and get to know my best friend J while at work in China House restaurant in Birmingham. Thanks, J for being there, despite some disagreements among us. Many of my friends are colleagues from CH. Boy, how much we have been through at work!
The next memorable event I have done for myself, is to work in English-style companies: Selfridges and McDonald’s. It was in Birmingham that I started to interact more with local and European.

^^^^^^

I admit it is difficult during the early days of adaption to new life when you first stepped foot on a foreign land, including Spore. But adapting to these countries are not difficult. Firstly, their public transport is pretty easy to navigate. Very useful for some one like me who is new and is trying to explore places. Secondly, it is cost efficient, ideal for me who are under tight budget. Thirdly, the people are friendly to help you along when you need help. Lastly, the people there welcomed me to their countries and don’t discriminate as much as rumours had it. Ironically, I faced discrimination when I’m in Malaysia. My own fellow citizens do not treat me like one of them whereas the foreigners treated me like one of them.
The difference between life in Spore and UK is that while in Spore, at the tender age of 7, I was under the care of my guardian and so faced with much restrictions and very strict curfews. While in UK at the age of 20, I am pretty much on my own to do what I want. YES!

^^^^^^

Despite having faced with many down sides of my life overseas, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I have got used to my independent life and now I have to head towards something different.

0 comments.