Overcome by serenity, I look around in a distant land to find myself edified by a network of friends. Ready to assist and eager to celebrate life, mine as well as theirs. It is almost surreal. I need to remind myself now and again that I am not in a dream. Although I have taken abode in unfamiliar lands, there are subtle reminders abound that make me feel as if I have been transported back home. Comforted by kind words and gestures, smiles and laughter, sheer joy overcomes me. I take a deep breath in, trying to soak it all in. Resisting the urge to pause in the awe of it all. I exhale, stepping forward to embrace the journey, not holding back, not hesitating, not seconding-guessing myself, I indulge in the adventures that await.

Reflecting on my arrival at Shandong University (SDU), it is almost unbelievable how estranged and alone I once felt. A different country, different languages, different foods, and different faces. I longed for the usual comforts of home. Wanting desperately to communicate, to ask a few questions, and to share with others. The inability to do such was at times quite daunting. Sacrifices had been made for hopes of academic and cultural enlightenment. Timidity had no place in my sphere. I thrusted myself forward, placing one foot in front of the other, opening my mind and my heart to whatever life had in store.

Oh, how quickly these sombre feelings dissipated. With every step taken forward, I am rewarded with a deeper understanding. Not just about the content of the courses, but the nature of the human spirit, and this world in which it exists. Embracing the unknown and sometimes the strange was not always easy. I encouraged myself not to judge, but instead to learn and to understand. Looking beyond my preconceived notions about how things should be, I am introduced to new ways of interpreting the world around. A seemingly empty space is not void of life, but instead bears impressions of a brilliant existence. A symbol of rest, until the cycle of life says “it’s time to arise.”

Soon, I realise that I am not as alone as I once felt. For there are many like me in this multi-cultural hub of SDU; sharing with each other, learning and growing. They did not need to look like me, nor did they need to speak my language. However, they like me chose a path of academic edification at SDU. They like me had forsaken the familiar comforts they once knew. They like me were to some extent estranged. United by similar faiths, we took comfort in the existence of others like ourselves. Bit by bit, our networks grew, spanning the various schools of SDU, China and the globe.

The more we learnt the more we grew, soaring beyond the limits which we once knew. For in this home of Confucius we had merely begun to tap into our true potential. Walking in the footsteps of the noble ones who went before, not only humbles but also elates us. Spreading our roots and branches beyond this place we now call home, directing our gaze beyond the gates of SDU, ready to delve into treasures that await. We are indeed grateful that our journey for knowledge at SDU, turned into a journey of self-discovery, which evolved into an appreciation for life.