I thought I had it all figured out. After chatting with the girls yesterday, I was convinced that I’ll be doing my Masters locally, saving me all the worry about finances and whatnot. Then I re-looked at the programmesofferedatUniMelb and realised that I really, really wanted to do my Masters in something less… academic.
I’m not going to lie. Money is a concern. I’m not struggling, but I’m afraid that I will right after I graduate. And I feel entirely responsible for my retired parents. Taking a full year (or maybe even two) off work just to chase a dream is going to cause an unwelcome interruption in the cash flow department. Repaying huge tuition loans thereafter isn’t going to help.
So why quit then? Why am I even making such plans? Because, like Dia so astutely verbalised, I have done my part in the 5 years that I have committed myself to teaching, and it is time to move on to do something that I’ve wanted to do since I was 15. And also because I know I’m not going to suck at it (this last sentence entirely my own but the sentiment was shared).
I’m extremely certain I will pursue my Masters next year. I have thought about it long and hard, and that decision has been more or less made. The only issue I’m grappling with is if I should do it locally or overseas. Money aside, a side-by-side comparison of programmes show very different career paths. The local option appears more inclined towards a career in communications management in the civil service as I champion various public campaigns; the overseas options gear towards writing and publishing, allowing me to develop skills in journalism and possibly art direction as well (two areas I’ve always been excited about).
The main reason why I’m even considering studying internationally is because I am of the belief that doing my Masters overseas will allow me to bring something else to the table. I want to have knowledge of international perspectives. I want to provide alternative views. Although, the fact that I already attained my Bachelor’s from QUT may be enough reason for me to go local now. Still. It’s always good to gain new experiences, no?
I still have a number of months to go before I submit any application. And quite honestly, I do have enough faith in the Lord to know that He will provide me, and my family with the finances. I just don’t know if I should even consider doing my Masters locally. Because, really, the course structure just doesn’t excite me as much.
The second day of the Lunar New Year was all about FOOD.
Lunch at my uncle’s was gut-busting. My aunt cooks really, really well so you can imagine how tormenting it was to have to control my intake. It wasn’t the most elaborate of meals but everything tasted of perfection.
Following that, we indulged in a very delectable spread featuring Fried Bee Hoon (Vermicelli), Broccoli with Abalone & Mushrooms, Kong Bak Pau (Chinese Braised Pork with Buns) and Tom Yum Soup.
Bloated from all that, I lumbered through the next couple of houses and struggled to strike conversations. It wasn’t until the second last house that I regained my bearings and managed to stomach a few more snacks.
The buddies then came over for dinner and we finalised plans for Dia’s 30th. We realised how it wasn’t going to be a cheap affair, but neither were we going to scrimp on our own 30th birthday celebrations. As much as it’s just another number, there’s no denying (for us at least) that 30 is a landmark age. So we settled on a staycation at Capella (because the girl doesn’t do cheap) after plenty of deliberation. It may not exactly be a weekend getaway at a nearby resort, but it’s certainly fancy enough. ;)
And because it’s not a festive season without some alcohol (I think?), Min brought a bottle of Baileys to share with us:
A toast to all of us, and all our other girls who turn 30 this year!
Here’s to another 16 years of friendship, and even more to come!
