Every trip I made out of home led me to something different
Su-Yin, Huen (UNSW Building Construction Management) Australia
"I feel very fortunate to have been given an opportunity to fend for myself, to learn through trial and error and to fail and be disappointed."
Before my parents returned to Malaysia, I was settled in and equipped with worrying words of advice. I knew it was those very first few days I spent alone which would determine how I would take on my next four years of life in Sydney. I could hide in my room, cry, feel miserable and wish I had picked Melbourne where I could be with my friends; or I could walk out into the streets to discover what Sydney had in store. I picked the latter. It took me a few days of jumping up random buses and discovering the sights by foot to conclude what an incredible place Sydney is. I walked through the corners of the city streets and took strolls up sloping coastal lines to discover the city's breathtaking beaches.
I never thought of myself as adventurous; but I am very proud of myself for being able to put aside the upsetting days of missing home and making the best out of what I had. Every trip I made out of home led me to something different. The weather in Sydney was definitely one reason for me to always want to be outside. Despite the changing seasons, the skies are almost always clear blue with fluffy clouds and warm sunshine - just like in the fairytales. It was beautiful to look at.
I eventually made friends. Many of the locals were very welcoming and offered to show me around; but it took me some time to adapt to new acquaintances. My classmates consisting of mostly Australians, a few Koreans, South Africans, and Americans made up most of my friends here in Sydney. Many were amazed at my English verbal proficiency when I introduced myself as a Malaysian. It's such a pity they know so little about our country and what it's like to live in a society with multiple cultures. I also made friends with a group of Chinese living far up north of Sydney which encouraged me to explore further out of the City. They were what Australians would call "Aussie-born-Chinese". They gave me a taste of Chinese culture in Australia and how different the language and flavours were as compared to what I'm used to in Malaysia. Most of my friends had not heard much about our colourful society. They know where Malaysia is; they just don't know what it's all about. I loved hanging out at uni, sharing and enlightening them about our multicultural community; while I correct them of their inaccurate perceptions of Malaysia.
It was pretty funny and relatively complicated when I tried to explain to my Aussie-born-Chinese friends that not all Malaysians are Malay and to try to convince them that the word "Malay" can't be used as a short form of the word Malaysia. It was not difficult to adapt to the change of environment as I had relatives who dropped by every couple of months. Every now and then, I would meet with new-found Malaysian friends over a meal while drowning our sorrows over missing home and difficult times of studying here. It's been a year and a half since I first got here. I've moved in with three other Malaysian girls in a tiny townhouse (which costs a fortune in rent). Everything here is expensive - bills, necessities, groceries, etc. We now share the financial burden, not to mention the household chores. As eating out often can be harsh on our pockets, I cook dinner for us almost every night and I try to make snacks for lunch or to pack to class. Being the budding chef that I am, I take it as good practice.
