Today is Christmas. And, of course, I am dorm alone to prevent spreading of my joy. When u are alone during festive season, you tend to think more, so here I am thinking/recalling this unique exchange experience.

Strangely, I couldn’t remember clearly the situation when I first came to Hong Kong. I remembered how excited I was days before my flight; seeing my family and friends’ sad faces at the airport. Knowing that at least I know some of them was great. The first week was orientation, it means staying with a temporary roommate at New Asia (Grace Tien), exploring a little of Hong Kong, and of course the school (it was huge!), and get the administrative stuff done.

When school started, I know I have been complaining to so many people, and that’s when loneliness came in and I had a new roommate and moved into an inaccessible hostel. It was my worst experience in CUHK. It was so bad that I got so frustrated with so many things. Then, I requested for a change of roommate, changing back to orientation roommate, as it was easy since she was staying in the same apartment. I am glad I did that.

Eventually, I got to know more friends from all over the world who I am beginning to miss now. It is great to know them and somehow reduce my loneliness and boredom here. Anyway, I took the opportunity to volunteer in rural teaching project. I must say it is an excellent experience!

Many of you may have already known, I organized the very first NTU gathering in Hong Kong. The turnout was not bad, almost 50%. And, they became the regulars for other meetings, except for Sophia, Steven and Haoting joining for the Ocean Park gathering. I guess the rest could not be bothered to know their fellow schoolmates. Honestly, I do not really care about them, but I just cannot understand why aren’t they appreciative. And, sad to say, they are from the same faculty and YF says it is a problem in this faculty. I absolutely agree!

Subsequently, I went out more often with the Taiwanese and the 2 NUS guys. Am really grateful for this friendship and they remove my loneliness and boredom here. And, my time after the first third was good.

Approaching the end of the journey, while I was walking back to dorm, from min campus, I was kind of sad. I know I am going to miss it here, and I will miss it so much. I am grateful for all these. Thank you so much.