On my right wrist is a friendship band Addy gave me 2 years ago. In my bag is a necklace Agnes gave me just before I took off and in my pocket a really sweet letter from David. Xinyi says that she'll miss my voice. Po Chin is concerned that she can't call just to talk anymore. Ming's face was so sad when I said I may not come back till the next summer vacation. Armed with an infinite amount of encouragement and concern from my family and friends, I know that I have all the moral support I need. I just wanna say: I love all of you.

I have another 4 hours before my next connecting flight. Seated in a rather spacious and well-lit transit lounge, once again I feel at peace with my decision to leave Singapore. Seated not far from me is a group of Singaporeans travelling together. I recognise one of them to be a PSC scholar.

Although they do look just a little tired, they have each other to talk to. Of course, by contrast, I'm once agan more alone than ever. But no regrets. I enjoy the peace now because I know that once I arrive at UIUC, I will haave to make new friends, plan my university life and basically try to surround myself with new friends and truly immerse myself in the foreign culture. I'm looking forward to the challenge, but in the mean time, allow me this flight time to rest my mind and take a nice slow breath.

Yes, it registers now. Cindy Khoo, the biggest sucker for sense of security I know, is on her way to UIUC to try to grow up. Brilliant.