LETTER TO ML


Dear ML

As per your request I am writing you a letter. This will be my second letter to you. The first was written while you were still in the womb. It was hand written and I read it out loud to you. I don't know if you still remember but my recollection as to the content is fuzzy now. Early sign of Alzheimer or just old age syndrome?

 It was a strange request asking me to write you a letter. For the past 18 years there was no plausible reason to write you because we have been staying under the same roof ever since you were born. Now that you are leaving for Australia soon, there may be a valid reason to send you an e-mail every now and then. Then again, we also have WhatsApp, Skype, Facebook, FaceTime, Messenger and many other communication tools. There are so many ways to keep in touch. Is there even a need to write a letter?

You know, in our time it took a week for an Aerogram (an air-mail letter) to reach its destination. Even a Telegram (a written message sent through the post office) takes at least 48 hours and it cost almost an arm and a leg. I bet you Generation Y hipsters never even heard of Aerogram or Telegram, but those were the technologies of yesteryears. Sorry, I know I am rambling away and have digressed, but I could'nt resist. That's what my Grandmother used to do, reminiscing to us about her childhood days in her village in Yong Chun, Fujian. I think I picked up the traits from her.

For your further education, I had in my mind a preconceived plan. The perfect scenario was to attend a local twinning university for the first 2 years and complete the final year abroad. All those applications seeking entry to universities in Australia during the matriculation year was viewed no more than a normal routine most students would indulge in. Towards the end of the final semester, the choice had more or less narrowed down to the Monash University in Sunway. Your mother and I were already contemplating getting you your own wheels for 2015.

However, you did pretty well in the final exams and was offered a place in Melbourne U which is deemed the top university in Australia. It was a very tempting opportunity. Acquaintances, classmates, friends and relatives, all encouraged you to go. Your mother was also strongly in favor.

My views have not changed, which ever university you decided to attend. University days should be educational, fun and memorable. Top ranking universities as often over-rated. While they may carry a more prestigious name, the qualities of education provided might not necessary be on par with their reputation. Furthermore, top students from all over are flocking there. Hence, competition will be keen and stressful and may take a toll on the fun part. I know you have agonized over the decision, gone through the pros and cons and that your priorities differed from my laid back attitude and views (go ahead take a dig on my English educated background). As I have said, the final decision is ultimately for you to make. You had decided and I TOTALLY respect and support your decision. So we move on.

Like most parents, I was apprehensive whether you were ready to leave the nest. You had lived such a sheltered and pampered life. Everything was planned and done for you. You had little responsibility and hardly lift a finger to do any housework. I have yet to see you fry an egg much less cook a meal. However, switching on my rationale side, I know you will be fine. Even the young ones low in the food chain have the means to survive when faced with the harsh realities of life.

So now you are ready to start new chapter of your life as a student in Australia. Academic wise, I believe you can cope. The most immediate and biggest challenge would be getting along amicably with your apartment mates. Learn to give and take and avoid being fastidious and super critical. Make a checklist of your many bad and annoying habits to constantly remind yourself and eventually overcome them. I have a mental block picturing my dear daughter as Ms Perfect but will be super glad to be proven wrong. Cooking skill is easy to learn and can be fun if you are willing to experiment, what more with the availability of recipes at your finger tips and the countless cooking shows on tv.

You have always worried and complained about being the only child in the family. Well, everyone in the extended Ng Family and Chew Family is part and parcel of your family support system. Ah Mah, all the uncles and aunties, your cousins, nephews and nieces will be there to support you should the need arise. Have no worries, go ahead and make the most out of your 3 year stay in Melbourne.

If I dish out any more advice you will say I am being such a nag, so I will end here.

With love

Your dad and friend

simon     6 Feb 2015

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