?I remember when? I first moved away from home?. Whether to college, living with a friend or family member – what are your memories of the first time you lived away from home? Share them, starting on Sunday, October 5th, at MomOf3Girls.net!

It was more than 4 years ago, end of February 2004 to be exact. I was a 17-going-18 years old teenager whom was so excited to enter the foundation year of college. But, in between the excitement, there was worry and fear. Why? Cause that was my first time moved away from home! I never been away from home for more than 5 days. So, it was a hard time for me.

The canteen in campus

The fears that I had of being far away from home

Of all the courses, I chose to take Graphic Design. And of all colleges and universities in Indonesia, I chose to go to a private college in Malaysia. *looking for trouble* Although it seems that Malaysia has about the same culture with Indonesia, but still, there was some differences (foods, environment, people, etc). That was not my only worry. I was not the socialize type hence I was afraid of not able to get new friends that can get along with me. After all, I went there alone without high school friends. Let’s not count my Mum whom accompanied me during the registration time.

No one to talk from heart to heart

No computer, no internet, only mobile phone. The only thing I could do when I needed someone to talk to was to send sms. That’s why, first week, I used up to RM50. *faint down* That should last for a month but I used it in a week. Blame Maxis that charged RM0.50 for one International sms and my lonely heart itchy fingers.

Everytime I had the time, I would rush to the library and wrote a damn long email to my Mum. I reported almost everything on the class, classmates, housemates, foods, etc.

I miss my own bed

I remembered I had a hard time when it came to college accommodation. There was an apartment for the students, with 3 rooms for every unit. I asked for single room but they ran out of it hence I opted for Master room, sharing with a Malay girl. That was my first time ever sharing room with a stranger! A room mate who made me, this naive kampung girl, shocked. She smoked, she had 2 boyfriends, and.. I’ve forgotten. But, I could get along pretty well with her.

Indomie is much more delicious than Maggie Mie

I thought every instant noodle is the same. At least, it should be the same. But no. I regretted that I didn’t bring more packs of Indomie to there. Not only that, every foods seems to be so expensive and not delicious. I missed home-cooking so much. At home, Mum cooked and I could eat once it was ready. Nothing to be worry about.

While some people were struggling with their weight and opting for diet pills, I got thinner and lost my weight. Not a good news obviously.

I left my keys inside my room

I just stayed in the apartment for a few days and one night when I was going out for dinner with the room mate, I made my first stupidest act. She asked me to bring the keys and I said yes. I went into the bathroom, went out and locked the room’s door. And.. I realizes that I left the keys inside my room, on the table! Say Goodbye to dinner.

The sisterhood

I had a conflict with the previous house mates and decided to move out after less than one month staying with them. It was a complicated time and I was glad to meet these 3 girls, whom became my new housemates and friends. They has lighted up my life when I was down and be there for me. Although the sisterhood didn’t last long, but they crafted a sweet memories in my heart. *so drama*

Switched from Hokkien dialect to English

Yes, the national language of Malaysia is Malay language and it is about the same with Indonesia language. But, most of the people use English. I had a hard time switching from my Hokkien dialect to English. It took me some time to think and speak it out. *sweat* Not only that, the Cantonese dialect that used widely in KL made me sweat too. I didn’t understand it up until now.

I met the love of my life

Nov 2004

Two people from two different countries met at college, on the first week of class, at foundation year. We stick until now.

Conclusion, it’s a good experience to move away from home. By that, I can see more new stuffs and do things on my own.