What’s it like to be a minority for a year? Well, in Indonesia someone that has fair skin can be picked out in a crowd. My favorite thing about this is being able to surprise the admires with my beginner Bahasa Indonesian.
“Halo, nama saya Carrigan. Apa kabar?”
This is not my first time living in a new place, nor will it be my last. The experiences you embark on and the things you learn change you, just like the onlookers’ perspectives as they realize that I am not just another tourist.
Hope you enjoy my posts. More updates later.
Home: Home for me is where my family and friends are. Unfortunately, I am not living with the majority of my family or friends due to COVID-19. I have used zoom, FaceTime, and WhatsApp to make a virtual home, while I live with my aunt and uncle in Philadelphia.
If I could have a food truck outside my house or dorm room, it would sell Indonesia satay, Thai Padang curry, and Indian street food. I realize the improbable combination of these, but my cravings revolve around these Asian cuisines. The photo above is an example of the street cart you would see being pushed along the road in my host city of Medan.
“The best way to predict the future is to create it.” -Abraham Lincoln
Waiting to know where my family would be stationed over the years and now applying to college, can make one feel like there are a lot of unknowns. To me, taking action in the present and staying busy through volunteering or spending time with my family helps to relieve the worrying. When you look back months later, you will either see your progress or the empty space-spaces empty because your focus was on the things you do not have complete control over. Be in the moment, and create your future.
Holidays are some of my favorite times of the year because of the family and friends I tend to spend time with during them. My least favorite holiday is Halloween because I am terrified by scary things, along with jump scares. On a happier note, my favorite holidays are New Years and Thanksgiving. Last year, I made a traditional Thanksgiving for my host family and then got to see fireworks on New Years in Singapore at Marina Bay Sands.
The souvenir that represents me is a little camel figurine that my mom bought for me when she was in Afghanistan. Like a camel, I have had to become tougher to the external pressures and environments around me-much like my other peers and mentors. I add on baggage and stories that change my perspective and help me grow as a person.
Dog Posts!! Arya is a key part of my family and lives up to her name. Being back with her in Norfolk has been heart-warming and she is a great partner to help pass the Stay-At-Home quarantine. Stay safe and keep spirit! Semongat!
Shows:
Game of Thrones and The Great British Baking Show have definitely been my favorite shows to watch!! I have binge watched these during quarantine, along with New Girl and Queer Eye. When I was little, my favorite shows were Scooby-Doo and Blue Planet, which I watched in the car on the way to school-only after I practiced for my weekly spelling tests.
Here is the link to my essay on Biking to Work! With all the current changes due to the pandemic, it is a good comparison of multiple advantages and disadvantages to this type of transportation!
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xHW4MFsFp-XKyUyf6EwWtF0L8FmMfYLn4ZpUB5wwuLA/edit?usp=sharing
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Bule in A Big World 