The Other Side

If I had to choose one word to describe this experience so far, it would be this: discovery. It is quite a feeling to wake up every morning knowing that your day is going to be nothing but a new adventure. From class discussions, to food, to different corners of this beautiful island, it is certain that each day will bring a new experience, and with it, a new perspective.

One of the most remarkable aspects of our visit so far has been that we are able to learn and discuss information in class, and then go outside of the classroom and see it reflected directly in our surroundings. We also have many opportunities to listen to and ask questions directly from government organizations. This week, for example, we were given a presentation from the Economic Development Board, which provided valuable insight into topics related to our class, as well as our understanding of Singapore and its economic connection to the rest of the world. Opportunities like this one just don't come along every day, and this definitely helped us to improve upon our knowledge and understanding of Southeast Asia.



Of course, some of the greatest learning experiences occur outside the classroom and the boardroom. Today we had an outing with other college students from Singapore, and we were given the opportunity to either play soccer with some local soccer champions, or go cycling in East Coast Park. I personally chose to go cycling, and it was definitely a great choice. Stretching along Singapore's beautiful eastern coast, which is on the other side of the country from where we stay, the park provides an atmosphere that is completely different from anything else we have encountered in this busy city. Families gathered together here to grill out and play games, and it was such a refreshing sight to see the relaxed side of this hard-working society.



As I mentioned before, every day we have spent here in Singapore has been rich with new encounters. Just by travelling from one end of the island to another, we are able to gain a whole new perspective on the lifestyle and culture of this magnificent city-state. Just after two weeks here, I have already felt that my fellow students and I have grown so much. As we learn more about our world and the role we play in it, we begin to make the biggest discovery of all: ourselves.

-Virginia