It's a rare opportunity, the fact that I successfully got into the overseas training programme. The training is scheduled to last 18 months far far away in the United States. I am supposed to be elated, to be able to get such an opportunity to train overseas with most, if not all, of the expenses taken care of while I am there. However, I can't help having mixed feelings about the whole issue. The fact that I have to leave my family and friends behind for 18 months was something hard to bear. I knew my mum was struggling with the decision to let me go ahead. I knew it was hard for her, cos it's hard for me too... the thought of not seeing her for 18 months makes me feel like crying. But I need to move on, I need to get out of my comfort zone and learn to be independent. It's a good opportunity for me to learn new things, get more experience and explore new job options. As the saying goes, opportunities don't always come knocking on your door. Think about how students younger than me spend 3 to 4 years studying overseas, away from their loved ones. It's just as hard for them to cope, but eventually they'll have to overcome it. Fruits of labour don't come to you without hard work and sacrifices.
I really need to buck up. 18 months will be gone in a breeze. By then I will be back home again with my loved ones. Back to my good old Singapore....
