Before I Go to College

In less than two months time, I will be leaving the place I have called home for so many years to study in a place that will play a role in determining my future. I didn't think this day would come so quickly; even after graduating from high school, I didn't find myself counting down the days to when I would live in a foreign country, on my own, for the first time in my life.

And for the first time in my life, I was scared. This fear of living somewhere unfamiliar without my comfortable bed was magnified after spending a brief week staying in my future college. Of course I was excited; but more than that, I was frightened, nervous, lonely. I missed my family, my sister and the friends I would not see for a long time after going to college.

That is why - albeit being a little late - I've paid more attention to my friends' behaviours, their unique fetishes, their likes and dislikes, and most importantly the things they do that remind me all the time of why I befriended them and why I will always be friends with them for decades to come.

Before I go to college, I take with me a little piece of each and every one of my closest and good friends - things I want to learn from them and carry with me wherever I go in this adventure we call life.

My best friend and confidante is my twin sister Jesline. I will most definitely not be where I am today without her help, her competition, her patient listening and her encouragement. She has an iron will, is generous and has this blur innocence that is rare in today's world. Her love of learning very much influenced my own love for random facts and knowledge, and I admire her for her ability to not over-think things. There are many more lessons I have learnt from her, but above all I am thankful simply for the fact that she was, is and will be my sister forever.

After Jesline, I have two special circles of friends - I'll call them an English-speaking group and a Chinese-speaking group. In the former there are seven people including me and Jes; in the latter there are four. These two groups are very important and precious to me, for sharing with me some of the most memorable experiences in my eighteen years of life thus far. But outside of these circles, I have also met some of the sweetest people, who are equally important to me in my life.

Before I go to college, I want to learn from Chooi Yin her (occasional) craziness and bubbly attitude.

From Tania, her initiative to keep herself well-informed and (though she may not want to admit it) her motherly talents.

Nicole's social skills are - to me - an important lesson to ace and remember.

Ying and her surprisingly sweet way of looking out for her juniors.

Qin, I am always impressed with how easily you can adapt to new environments and quickly make friends.

From Teang, her independence, charisma, and seemingly bottomless creativity.

I greatly commend Zhi Ying's patience, willingness to listen and detailed thoughtfulness.

To my "brother" in Japan, Kelven, I've always admired your maturity and caring attitude, and I'm glad to be your "sis".

A special shout-out to Tim - whom I have not talked to for a looooooong time but have never forgotten - I always appreciate your advice and your patience.

From my piano teacher, Teacher Rachel, her kindness, her strength in her faith and her dedication and passion.

I want to learn from my junior, Seow Wen, her way of showing appreciation.

Dear Roi, let's not ever forget our love for the oldies and the unconventional.

To everyone else whose name was not specifically pointed out on this list, thank you for appearing in my life and being a part of my ongoing adventure. Without you all, my life would not be half as interesting as it is today.

And this is why before I go to college, I break my usual convention of not saying anything gooey or emotional to thank and tell my friends how much I appreciate them and how special they are and always will be to me.

I love you guys! <3 <3 <3