Key Concepts
- Stepping out of comfort zone
- Singapore's rapid growth and harmony
- Language barrier and adaptation
- Cultural integration and lifestyle changes
Early Life and Motivation for Moving to Singapore
The speaker, Miao Lan, originally from Henan province, China, moved to Singapore in 2006. Her primary motivation was to "step out of her comfort zone." Her father played a significant role in sparking her interest in Singapore. He would show her a map and point out Singapore, emphasizing its small size but rapid growth. He also noted that her age was the same as Singapore's age, further fueling her desire to see the country for herself.
First Impressions of Singapore
Upon arriving in Singapore, Miao Lan was struck by the city's cleanliness, the friendliness (though rushed nature) of its people, and the combination of modern buildings and abundant greenery. These initial impressions contributed to her feeling that Singapore would be a good place to live permanently.
Becoming a Singapore Citizen
In 2018, Miao Lan became a Singapore citizen. She expresses great happiness and considers that day a highlight of her life.
Appreciation for Singapore's Harmony
Miao Lan's favorite aspect of Singapore is its sense of harmony. She values the ability of people from diverse cultures, races, and religions to coexist and work together peacefully.
Language Challenges and Efforts to Overcome Them
A significant challenge for Miao Lan has been the multiple languages spoken in Singapore. To address this, she has taken Malay and Hokkien courses in her free time. She now uses phrases like "'Ada sakit?' (Are you in pain?), 'Banyak sakit?' (Is there a lot of pain?), 'Sini sakit?' (Is the pain here?)" to communicate with patients, indicating her profession likely involves interacting with people directly.
Adapting to Singaporean Food and Culture
Initially, Miao Lan disliked certain Singaporean foods, such as curry. She recalls her first experience with a curry puff, saying she "cannot tahan" (couldn't tolerate) the taste. However, over time, her palate adjusted, and curry puff has become one of her favorite foods. This experience highlights her belief that adapting to Singapore requires a willingness to change one's lifestyle and habits.
Conclusion
Miao Lan's journey to becoming a Singapore citizen demonstrates the importance of embracing change and adapting to a new culture. Her story emphasizes the value of stepping out of one's comfort zone, appreciating diversity, and making an effort to integrate into the local community. Her experience with food and language shows that cultural integration requires a willingness to adapt one's habits and preferences.
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