Curious about what it’s like to work or study abroad? my life abroad ‘Her World’ is a Her World column that offers a glimpse into the lives of Singaporean women who have pursued their dreams and ambitions abroad. If you would like to share your experience, please send an email to magherworld.com@gmail.com with the subject line “My Life Abroad” in the email header. An editor will get back to you.
In this column, we talk to Victoria Chen (@vhickles), an actor, theater maker and director who moved to London last year.
I have a confession that even my family doesn’t know about. It was at Changi Airport that I almost canceled my move to London. I was in Terminal 1 and my family walked me to the gate. The family hugged and smiled (my sister finally got the whole bedroom to herself!). And I thought, what do I have to give up just to satisfy my curiosity? This is so stupid! Honestly, it was scary. But I’m a follower (and I’m a Leo too, if anyone cares). So I pulled up my big girl pants, went through security, went straight to the bathroom next to the plane gate, and cried. And I almost lost my passport. This year has been one of the toughest I’ve experienced, but I’m glad I didn’t have to turn back at Changi Airport.
I have a confession that even my family doesn’t know about. It was at Changi Airport that I almost canceled my move to London.
On my first night in London, for the first time in my life, I slept like a baby. There are no dreams. Just a deep, restful sleep. Even when I’m severely burnt out, I can’t remember ever doing that. I woke up to the sunlight shining through the curtains and the sound of birds (I live near a park so there were foxes). I felt like a Disney princess! Since it was summer, there was more sunlight and less humidity, making it feel like we were in Singapore. absolute perfection. I felt so energized that even though I don’t normally like exercise, I actually went for a morning run along the Thames or in the park. Having such a great start to a big move has given me a lot of motivation and inspiration to make things happen. Dreaming big in big cities and all that.