My Second Home

Name: Heidi Chen

Year: 2nd Year

Major: Pre-Business

I am an international student from Singapore, planning to study at UCR for all four years of college. Despite having absolutely no idea what colleges I was suited for, what SAT tests were, and frantically studying for my GCE ‘A’ level examinations at that time, I am glad I ended up in UCR as a part of God’s plan. My experience at UCR has been nothing short of amazing. Here, I met wonderful people, learnt various useful skills, and grew so much personally, professionally, and socially. Since I didn’t know anybody in the States before I came, the friends that I have here are all those whom i’ve known for less than 1.5 years. Despite the short period of time for which we’ve known one another, I find all of them remarkably accepting and welcoming, always asking about my personal life and showing genuine care and support. There was no particular moment when I felt personally attacked or singled out, but there had been times -- especially during my freshman year -- when I felt vulnerable and alone. Last year, I found it rather difficult to open up to others completely because I felt like I did not know them long enough to share too much about myself. As such, whenever something bad happens, I would bottle my feelings up and cut people off. To make matters worse, I could not confide in my family or old friends back at home either due to the time difference-- when I am awake, they would be asleep, and vice versa. Fortunately, I grew a lot more independent, mature, as well as emotionally/mentally stronger; I also made a bunch of loving friends here! Some things that I have to worry about that most others around me do not have to worry about include: figuring out my housing, finance, tuition, class, license, car, tax, meals etc. I came here by myself and I did not want to trouble my parents to help me with any of the administrative procedures so I had to settle everything myself. The process involves a lot of research, calling, asking around, but I am blessed with great friends here whom are more than willing to share their knowledge, advice, and lend a helping hand. In a nutshell, I am extremely thankful for this precious opportunity—that my parents have given me—to explore a foreign land which I can now call my second home.

#internationalstudent #whotellsyourstory #friendships #secondhome