Pre-trip Reflection

When you think of Thailand, most Singaporeans will think of its capital, Bangkok. When you think of Bangkok, you think of the vibrancy in the city, the robust flavors and smells, the interesting profiles of the locals, and of course, shopping. People rarely think of Chiang Mai at first thought. I didn’t know the climate there is a lot cooler than Bangkok, nor did I know that it is largest and most culturally significant city in Northern Thailand. Having done some research on what is to be expected in Chiang Mai; the sights, the sounds, the people, the smells, I’m thrilled to be given the chance to go and explore this part of Thailand, so different from the Bangkok that many of us are familiar with.

As a Singapore-raised USP student, I feel like I am quite ignorant to many parts of the world. Personally, I seem to associate stereotypes to words more frequently than I should, without considering the various perspectives and the objectivity of situations and cultures. This would explain my tendency to impose what I know and expect of Bangkok to Chiang Mai. However, I am sure that Chiang Mai will prove me wrong, with its own identity that is separate from Bangkok. I think from acknowledging this ignorance, it has become a reminder to myself not to judge too quickly, and always take things from a pinch of salt.

As such, I am looking forward to the end of the trip already; not because I want it to end of course, rather, I want to gather all that I have learnt and have reflected upon in the entire trip, before sharing it with my USP peers in the form of the mixed-media presentation that I am really excited about starting on. Similarly, I look forward to hearing what my friends have learnt from the trip, that will allow us to share different perspectives on similar issues observed. Again, this is to cultivate the discipline to gather many insights before forming my own original judgments.

I feel that being a USP scholar is a privilege. This trip to Chiang Mai, is,  a part of the privilege. I want to feel, taste, see, smell, hear as much from this trip such that I will be able to translate this into a meaningful experience that I can share with people who are interested, or practice the principles and values I would have learnt into my everyday life, making sure that this privilege is one that has not been wasted on me.

Last but not least, I want to have fun, with my USP peers – being young, wild, and free.