A designer's adventure

Going on a solo holiday in a country so rich in culture and so full of life, I was excited to explore Singapore on my own.

My goal was to really find a job in Singapore. I wanted to give my family back in the Philippines a better life. I wanted for them to see how I'll grow and prosper. For many, this country is a good place to start with when you're a professional designer. It builds dreams and hopes for a better future.

I lived at a friend's house during my stay. I was amused by the local "hawkers" lined up near her place which office professionals, students and locals frequent. Night times were spent on happy hours and drinking sprees. It's enriching to see how these people find time to sit awhile and enjoy life.

As I joined my friends to eat out at a local kopitiam which was like a foodcourt back at home, my attention was caught by an old Chinese woman who was busy cleaning the tables and arranging the chairs. I asked my friends why the older folks were allowed to do the work that younger people our age should be doing. She said that the local government would still want for their locals, it doesn't matter what age, to be employed so as to save up on expenses. Amazed by this, as the old woman went up to our table to clean our leftovers, we asked her why she was still working so hard despite her old age. To this she replied, " Because I love what I do. I need to work in order to live. I am thankful that I have work and that they gave me the opportunity to do it. "

Her statement that day pierced my heart. Now I'm back home. I may not have won the job I came for in Singapore but I am thankful to have made this trip to realize and see how lucky I am to be living a good life. To enjoy life more and to work hard for my dreams. And that no matter where you are, who you are with, the most important thing is to be thankful that you are given the chance to see the beauty God has created.