Clearly, 2014 was the year of Travel. I have been to so many places and seen so many new things in the past 12 months.
1. Bago City, Philippines
The first trip was to Bago City in the Philippines for OCIP. That trip was really a breathe of fresh air. When I look back on it now, I can hardly believe that those memories I'm recalling are my own. I saw lives so starkly different from those I know, and all I can hope is that we managed to make an impact on the community over there.
2. Sydney & Melbourne, Australia
The next trip was to Sydney and Melbourne in Australia with 3 of my dear friends. To me, that trip seemed so surreal. I can't believe we managed to pull off being semi-independent adults?! It was a whole barrel of fun and I'm so glad I got to experience travel with friends. It's like an extended sleepover party! Living in a backpacker hostel was also, arguably, one of the funnest parts of the trip. You cross paths with very unique people.
3. Montpellier, France
Then, a day after I returned from Australia, I was off to Montpellier, France. This was the first time I travelled alone. I probably should have been more intimidated than I was - barely scraping 20, sheltered for most of my life, travelling solo and heading to a place where I knew not a single soul. But all I remember was being really excited. I can honestly say Montpellier was a fkin blast. Getting to practice French, eating good food and drinking cheap wine, exploring scenic towns, coupled with a comfortable South-of-France climate, and you've got yourself a winning combination. I can't wait to explore France even more if I get the chance in the future!
4. Perth, Australia
There was also the trip to Perth during recess week. This was important because I got to live out my dream of attending an Angus and Julia Stone concert. It was overwhelming - finally listening to the actual performance of a band who shaped countless afternoons of your teenage years. It only hit me after the concert had ended.
It's not just travelling that made 2014 awesome. Instead, I think it was the friends I met and people I met in 2014 that fill my little heart with gleeeee.
I joined Tembusu at the start of the year (feels like eons ago!) and I didn't know what to expect. Coming in the second semester meant everyone already had their own friends. Thankfully, there seemed to be a friend at every turn and for that, I am grateful. I now realise that they were my home away from home. Funny to look in retrospect and see how far we've come from being mere strangers. Eating meals, studying, chilling or suppering together day in day out! I am so so grateful for everyone in Tembusu and the importance it has come to assume in my university life.
I am also grateful that school has been rewarding. Some modules made me want to tear my hair out but surely the discipline and willpower I developed to restrain myself from punching someone gotta be worth something!
Lastly, I am grateful for old friends who stuck by me throughout the year. Whether I've known you for 2 years, 4 years or 10 years, I'm so thankful for you all the same. Thank you for giving me faith in humanity's kindness and the medicine of laughter, without which I surely would have withered into black and white. and to my family for being the biggest part of my life.
Yeah there were crappy parts of 2014 that made me resent being in this skin and having this life. But that's utter bull. Because (wait for it, one cliche coming right up), if you stop and look around, this life is pretty amazing.
Thanks life, for having been awesome in 2014. I have so much to look forward to in 2015, so let's see you try to top it by being even MORE awesome.