My life in China marked the start of my independence. I came here on my own to live by myself. There were so many things that I had to do for myself in the beginning. I remember running back and forth at the store to get necessities for setting up my new home. In China, paying for things is conveniently done electronically through Alipay or WeChat pay. However, I didn’t have this yet when I got here, so I was using cash until I was able to set up my bank account and sign up for it. It was an eventful first month.

Being here on my own, I am free to do whatever I want. I am able to try different hobbies that might have been frowned upon by my folks back home. I am able to enjoy drawing without my parents meddling with my art. I also dabble in nail art and develop my makeup skills. Also, living on my own, I can have pets! I have chinchillas and cats, and if ever, I can also get a snake. I have been wanting to get one!

To me China signified the beginning of finding myself, and it’ll always be one of the most important life experiences that I will have.