Why?

Warning: This is going to be quite a long winded post on my thoughts and feelings about my decision to go to Korea. You may proceed at your own risk.

Why did I choose to let go off everything I have here in Malaysia to take up an overseas scholarship?

Well many of my friends, relatives and even my parents have asked me this question.

To back track a little, I had a pretty steady career as a Product Executive in one of Malaysia’s top FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods) distributor. I had a job that enjoyed, my own car and a comfy life. Making a decision to let all of this go to start a fresh in a foreign country isn’t the easiest decision to make. All my friends and relatives are happy for me of course. But I guess people don’t really see the other side of things (i.e. the things I gotta give up) most of the time.

Somewhere in my heart, there is a little dream in me that wants to experience being a student in a foreign country. I studied really hard and scored decent results in all my major tests, but there isn’t any openings or opportunities that came at the right time. At one point of time, I basically gave up on that dream entirely. I thought I would be able to cast this dream away by not thinking about it. But as I see more and more of the people around me pursuing their education overseas, something in me just bubbled up and I just knew for sure that if I don’t go, I would probably die with regrets some day.

AND THAT WAS IT.

I believe everything happens for a reason. Some how or rather, around October 2016 I stumbled upon an article on Facebook about KGSP. Fast forward to a few months later, the application is opened in February 2017. It was a big decision to make, but I felt a really good feeling when I submitted my application. Even though I went through quite an ordeal during my application process (will post the drama in a separate post), I’m glad that I have finally received this opportunity.

As I prepare for my 3 years stay in Korea, I believe that this is just a start of a memorable and meaningful once in a life time experience. I used to say “自己选的路，跪着也要走完” (I have to finish what I started, even if I am kneeling (suffering) all the way). But for now I’ll say, “自己选的路，要笑着走完” (I will finish what I started, smiling all the way).