It has been awhile since i last wrote, taking a quick break from studying to share something which impacted me recently.
I used to be annoyed when i had to squeeze on the MRT or bus during public holidays, especially around areas which had a high composition of foreign workers. In fact, like most of us, i was rather peeved at having to share my space with someone else.
However, i had a paradigm shift in my last holidays where i had the opportunity to volunteer at a place which treats migrant Indian workers. I realized that learning to speak a simple phrase such as “Yapadee Yereeking Geh” can break down the barriers of discomfort. Working long hours in a challenging environment can indeed take its toll on one’s health.
After meeting many of these migrant workers who were in moments of discomfort or distress, I realize that at our fragile moments, when we are confronted with our own mortality, that we are the same after all. Differences and prejudices simply become irrelevant in the face of human suffering.
Just as how I immensely respect our forefathers who built Singapore, whether as coolies, samsui women, plantation workers, i too salute the foreign workers who help build and contribute to Singapore today.
Perhaps i may not see the fruits of their labour now, but i am confident that the future generations will.
Julian is a student currently studying in the UK. At the age of 3, he came close to death due to a life threatening disease. Thankful for his second chance, Julian believes in making a positive difference with whatever he has been blessed with through various community opportunities both in Singapore and abroad. Someone who believes in the motto, "To heal sometimes, to relieve often but to comfort Always", he hope to share his musings and observations of daily life as a Singaporean student in the UK (: