It's summer now. I've been here for nearly 6 months and I don't realize how time flies. ups n downs, sorrow n joy, tears n smiles... living away far from home, I've realized the importance to cherish life with ur loved ones, ur families and friends. I realize that the road I've taken will definitely bring obstacle and hindrance. however, that's the path I've determined to choose. mom keeps expressing her worries. dad remains silent. but I know their blessings and prayers surround me anywhere, anyhow. I'm motivated solely by my self-confidence and passion. to study abroad... in the USA. to learn as much as I can about my major, about the people, the culture, about life. It's a foreign place in which I have to survive n cope.
arriving here, ones have to first overcome the culture differences among the people living near them. if ones don't overcome, at least ones must tolerate. if u're brand new, ur 'seniors' who have been here ONE semester ahead will teach u everything. just listen n learn patiently when they teach u how to use the stove n other household appliances at home. perhaps they think our technology is still far away to catch up with the US'. I just smile n nod when they mention on how often i fry food and how complicated to prepare them. I dunno how much they know about my culture, my country... but I could say that they might have only heard to one small part of it . The danger of single story.
n walls have ears here. the walls aren't made of concrete. I keep knocking on to figure out the materials used for them. maybe some kind of wood. tht's why there's a sticky note displayed at the bookstore which says, 'MUFFLE THE MOANS!'. maybe students here paste tht on their fren's door if they couldn't tolerate much. because, u can hear your room mate next door's conversation n vice versa. I got a few knocks on d door several times at night when the person hear me cry or on Skype. I also got letters on shoes in front of my door when they want to express their concerns and dissatisfactions.
"Please dry/clean the toilet seat once you use it. It's always wet every time u enter the bathroom" - a text message I received one midnight.
I forgot that I don't wipe. I wash myself and sometimes water droplets fall. but urine is also water. so, whether it's pure or not, as long as it's water on the toilet seat, the preconception is... it's urine n u're a dirty type of person. baaaddd, dirty girl.
In schools, I'm so used to listen and take notes that I have less confident to participate and speak up. but u like it or not, u have to. tht's one of the major challenges I tend to overcome day by day. n tht's not pretty bad once u tend to develop d confidence n increase ur self-esteem. u also learn to speak like natives. n it feels really good. however, it's still OK if u score high on assignments even though u might talk less in class. sometimes, talk is cheap... I believe so. if u have both skills, tht will b best for u, since it's also a trend here that people will start a friendlier conversation with u and listen to ur opinion if they notice u shine in ur academic. n being quiet does not often help much. u have to show u're knowledgeable and approachable by speaking boldly in class... not because u smile to them politely and bow ur head and apologize on d mistakes that u don't even commit.
being here too, i start to b active on Facebook and blog n all kinds of social websites. not as savvy as many teenagers out there but will keep improving. thanks to my sifu. u know who u are. thank u, bro.
there's much more to be written. but Im quite excited to post it to my blog. I'll write more soon, I promise
May 25 2011, 7.49pm
Coral Gables, Miami
Florida
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