Part 1: Growing Up Singaporean – Finding My Way
2024 – At a company team-bonding event, we were tasked with bringing an object that reflected a sense of place. As my colleagues presented photographs and memorabilia, I shared a keepsake from Istanbul, weaving a tale of my adventures. Yet, I realized that without the full context, my story was incomplete.
I've always been hesitant to share my personal journey, fearing judgment and embarrassment. But now, I feel a newfound courage to open up. I want to delve into my childhood and growing up in Singapore, to reveal the experiences that have shaped me into the person I am today.
Consider this a reintroduction, a chance for us to connect on a deeper level.
Mom & I, drawing at the beach.
1982
A tiny princess, I was the firstborn, the darling of both sides of the family. Five years passed before my sister arrived, and until then, I basked in the warmth of undivided love and attention. My parents, though working-class, were industrious souls. My father, a police officer, and my mother, a production operator, juggled their day jobs with a side hustle. On weekends, they transformed into wedding professionals, my mother styling brides and my father the wedding photographer. As a five-year-old, I often tagged along, a wide-eyed observer of their artistry. While my parents were busy building their dreams, my grandparents were my constant companions, guiding my early years and ferrying me to school.
1992
I was 10 when my parents both quit their jobs to pursue a new business venture. They opened a cafeteria that was not too far from home – Mom cooked and Dad was in charge of preparing drinks and everything else.
Every school holiday, I would trade my carefree days for the grueling task of dishwashing. The hot, soapy water would sting my hands, and my back would ache from hours of scrubbing. Yet, despite the physical toil, I found a strange satisfaction in contributing to our family's livelihood.
One of the most valuable lessons I learned during those formative years was the importance of hard work and dedication. I witnessed firsthand the sacrifices my parents made to provide for our family. They worked tirelessly, often neglecting their own needs to ensure our well-being. Their unwavering commitment inspired me to strive for excellence in my own life.
Furthermore, I gained invaluable insights into the complexities of running a business. I learned about the importance of customer service, financial management, and problem-solving. These skills, honed during my teenage years, have served me well throughout my career.
The pressure to succeed, to live up to my parents' sacrifices, was ever-present. After PSLE (Primary School Leaving Examination), I remember feeling ecstatic, not because I achieved good grades, but because I got into the school that my mother had picked. I was so happy to make her proud. Secondary school was not easy (but hey, I survived!). Following my passion for design, I enrolled in Temasek Polytechnic's Visual Communications course. Little did I know that this seemingly impulsive decision, fueled by a desire to please, would shape the trajectory of my life.
2012
The early 2000s was a period of profound loss. My mother, my confidante, my biggest cheerleader, succumbed to illness at the tender age of 50. Grief consumed me, but I knew I had to be strong for my family.
Around that same period, I started a new role as an in-house designer at a travel agency. It was a family-run business and (I know this sounds like a red-flag but) they treated me like family. The familial atmosphere provided a much-needed respite – a safe haven where I could heal, recharge, and rediscover my strength. I stayed at the company for 7 years as a Design Manager, but not before going on a hiatus during my third year there.
2015
Working at a travel agency, surrounded by images of idyllic destinations, was a constant torment. The irony was palpable; I was crafting dreamscapes for others while my own wanderlust remained unfulfilled. After months of meticulous saving, I finally broke free from the chains of my desk job.
‘I've quit my job,” I announced to my family, my voice filled with excitement and trepidation. "I want to travel the world!"
As fate would have it, a friend from Istanbul called to catch up. Upon hearing my news, he extended an irresistible invitation: “Hey, wanna go on a road trip around Turkey?”