BRYANCHEN.COM

Now I’m sitting in my room thinking of how it seemed like just yesterday that I had stepped off that plane in Detroit, feeling all alone, and greeted by a gust of ice-cold wind. It all seems so fresh, yet so distant. I didn’t know how I was going to survive 5 months on my own here, with few friends and little knowledge of the local area….

Yet now I’m here, two weeks before I officially call it a day at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Reflecting on those feelings I had brings a sense of pride and humility, both at once. I’m proud to have been given this opportunity to be a part of the local culture and people. No doubt, I’ll miss this place greatly when I return to Singapore. Even more than that, I’m humbled by the care and friendship I have been offered during my stay here. From strangers to friends, all in the space of a few short months… short months – I would’ve never felt they were short back in January. Memories, fond memories, of snow fights, freezing cold soccer, sharing a cuppa in the snow, and the little parties …. and even the big ones (like St. Pat’s Day) …. sitting on the grass patches – memories which I will never forget, and experiences that will always be cherished.

And then the practical aspect of living alone: self-sufficiency/independence caused by the added responsibility of making sure things that have to be done get done.

I’ve learned a great deal from this little “adventure” in Ann Arbor, Michigan. I’m very glad I came here. I will be returning to Singapore happy that I’m home with loved ones, but a part of me will always remain in this cold, cosy city that hosts one of the warmest people that I’ve come across thus far.

So here’s to Ann Arbor, the University of Michigan, the friends I’ve made, and the fellow Singaporeans I’ve come to know over this course! Good luck in the exams and hope I’ll have the pleasure of seeing you guys in Singapore soon!

My blog on bryanchen.com will be moving soon to a brand new location and domain! Watch for it!