My Friends and I

Hong Yi Goh, Singapore

This article is a tribute to all my friends I have made in Sheffield. Missing the comfort and support of the loved ones back home, friends inevitably become an important part of my life. They are an enriching aspect of my life, as we share the joy and pains of student life, especially during the examination periods. It will be very sad if our aim is just to obtain a degree in our years in Sheffield without taking time out to make real and long-lasting friendships. I am happy to say that in my short time in Sheffield, I have made many good friends, all of whom have touched my life in one way or another. It would be impossible for me to list them one-by-one by name, but nonetheless I would like to pay tribute to these 3 main categories: my orientation mates, my classmates and my Christian students' fellowship group.

My orientation mates, what can I say of them? They are a fantastic bunch! They have filled my life with such lasting and sweet memories of my first 2 weeks in this foreign land at the International Students' Orientation Programme. During our loneliest period (and I believe it was theirs, too, as many of them, like me, come from countries like Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Africa and Malaysia), their love and acceptance of somebody that is from a different culture have made my life more enriching. Maybe it was this sense of loneliness that drew us together and bonded us more. As a Singaporean who loves to try new gourmet food, I find it a great experience tasting various delicious dishes from the rest of the world, although it has given me a couple more pounds on the weighing scale.

The next group of friends, of course, are the people who discuss, argue and work with me in the classroom – my classmates. I am fortunate enough that my course requires all of us to attend lectures and tutorials together as a group (don't be shocked, there's only 16 of us altogether). There are only 4 overseas students on my course, so most of my classmates are British. They have enriched me with their knowledge of the so-called British culture – lots of gathering, pubbing and of course drinking. They are an extremely lively bunch, always organising events like birthday parties. The most memorable event we spent together was the Christmas celebration during which I learnt to appreciate the way Christmas is celebrated here. The joy and laughter mixed with the understanding of the significance of the event have left a great impact on my life. Of course, despite the fun we have, we are a really hardworking group as well, you know.

Last, but definitely not least, are my Student Fellowship friends. They are Christians and mostly overseas Chinese from Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore. There are also some British born Chinese among us as well. On every Friday evening, we will meet to share, pray and encourage each other. They are definitely the best source of support for me as a Chinese in a British land.

Friends, what more can I say of you. You are a marvellous bunch of people whom I thank God for. My life has been changed forever because of you.

Hong Yi Goh, Singapore