A beautiful enigma: Willy-Nilly: Life in Uni

Back in 2012, I decided to take a break and went back to the Philippines after my two-year teaching stint in Japan. Initially, I just wanted to have a breather and planned to take short make-up courses while I was still thinking whether I want to stay in Japan for good or build a family in my home country. After all, it was more fun and convenient in the Philippines as I would be staying with my family - my security blanket.

But then again, God has its way of giving people their second chances. You see, I have always dreamed of studying in Australia ever since my sister came here in 2010. I could still remember that when she was preparing for her studies, I joined her in her reviews and all. However, what was originally planned never happened because of a detour. I kind of pushed my dream aside in order to focus on the new chapter of my life seriously. Yet, a second chance to take on my Australian dream came unexpectedly. Out of nowhere, Mom asked me if I still wanted to study and eventually settle in Australia. Of course, I agreed. I knew I sort of disappointed her the first time so I was willing to prove myself again. And besides, I thought it would be best for me and my husband to settle down in Australia than in Japan for some personal reasons aside from its ground doesn't shake as frequently as Japan's (quite scary!).

Anyway, it took me two months to prepare for everything - IELTS, docs and visa application. I chose early childhood education because I've always wanted to be a preschool teacher. I feel young and inspired when I am with little kids and I always want to make a difference in their lives. It is my ultimate dream to build my own preschool for under privilege kids and instill in them the importance of education and having someone to love and nurture them.

Fast forward, I went back to uni last year. The adjustment was quite hard. The last time I was in a formal school as a student was almost a decade ago. Moreover, the educational system in Australia is different from the Philippines. Back in college, the types of exams were a combination of identification, multiple choice and essays. ROTE teaching and learning it is. However, in uni, it's all about essays, research reports and journals. I was basically on my own figuring things out. Plus, I barely had friends in the first few months so adjusting to new culture was more of a struggle. For three months, my daily routine was home-uni-home. It was depressing. :(

Luckily, I found new friends before the first semester of my first year in uni ended. They are mostly Asians who are 9-10 years younger than me. Oh well... Lol. I also made friends with some exchange students who are from France and South Korea. Eventually, I enjoyed my life in uni despite living all by myself (technically...) and the pressure to do well in my assignments and exams. :)

This year I am now living with two girls I made friends with from last year. So far, so good even though there had been some difficulties after my first year in uni and during the first of half of 2014 both in my student and personal life. Despite that, I have no regrets because this has always been my dream and living here in Australia has widened my horizon. Setbacks may have slower down my pace, but I am certainly moving forward. Watch me. :)