Story of My 7000 miles away
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"As this is the biggest decision I've made, I realized how far I can go and how much potential I have inside in me. I realize how important it is for one to have a goal, and stick with it."
One of the biggest decisions so far this year is also the dreadest decision I've ever made - to go out my comfort zone, once again, after years of living in my safest embrace with Leon.
I decided to leave the country and everything behind 7000 miles away, to Hawaii just to see the world, and have a taste of my dream. I have watched enough episodes of Sex and The City and I really want to see the "City" myself, minus the forking out money part. *Fangirling to Carrie*
My WAT (work and travel) experience wasn't the easiest one to begin with. I am one of the 2 ladies out of the 10 Malaysian students that being sent to Hawaii. With no one and nothing to begin with, I braced myself for unknown possibilities 7000 miles away, with faith that I will and have to be alright, taking care me and myself. Oh, did I mention the other lady who participate this programme is with her bf... #foreveralone
I received emails lately regarding how and why I chose Hawaii for my WAT programme.
To be brutally honest, I didn't even know Hawaii was one of the states in US. (I still believe it belonged to Japan. ) *chuckles*
But I praise the universe for the opportunity and letting me find out this as one of the extra options other than California and Florida. SO , to begin with...
How you should choose your working state:
Choose a place that you wish to spend most of your time with!
For me, I insist on choosing a warmer states, hence the decision on California and Florida. (warm but not lose out on the fun) My plan to spend on winter jackets is almost zero. Me, living in a country of Summer-only-no-other-season-liao, my tolerance to cold is zero. Wait, I mean I have NO tolerance to cold. Imagine I still constantly wear long sleeves in Hawaii.
And I could just sneeze all day long...
How you should choose your working agent:
Choose someone you can work along with. For my case, I find that Infinity Abroad fulfilled my needs and answered all my questions. I was rejected rudely by the OOTB as they refused to help me. They said I can only join the Summer programme (I apply during early March) due to my student status. (You have to be a student when you apply WAT) But they refuse to take me in as they are full. And I can only join the Winter programme if I am still a student by May, which I am not a student anymore.... as I graduated in May.
I am forever thankful to Infinity Abroad.
As they are not just helpful with me... they are also very patient with my questions and Soong even suggested for me to go to Hilton Waikoloa, allowing me to have a chance to see this incredible view, and walking around with an incredible looking CV now...
In Hilton Waikoloa Village...
There are dolphins.
This is my everyday view.
It's incredible how much my heart flutters now just think about it.
It was such a shame for a city girl going into the nature-living life.
I'm forever grateful thinking bout it now. It was such a pain in the ass as I have to give away my TV and internet (they do have internet but I am just too busy! ). For all these things that Hawaii has to offer, I miss staying in my blankey just playing internet games all day long.
And now I find myself so foolish and silly. Mother nature is indeed the best.
If only I am in Hawaii forever. Wait, I mean in Hilton.
These are all the views around my stay.
My only splurge before the trip was the white Reebok that lasted me for 3 months. But hey, I wear them all the time. Almost 24/7
View outside. My balcony.
I stay in a room... Wow. It's such a long drive down memory lane.
How I wish to see you again.
I was sooooooo overwhelmed with the view.
It feels like all the stress throughout the years, being emptied.
I'm just proud of myself that I did not give up trying even though I've being turned down by OOTB and other agents.
Signing off,
#throwbacktothebest
Are you currently in Hawaii?
ReplyDeleteHello, I'm no longer in Hawaii now. I'm back in Kuala Lumpur, malaysia.
Deletetried to join Hawaii for WAT but agent says only for those returning students able to pick hawaii ==
ReplyDeleteWhat agency you choose? Try talk to Infinity abroad! :)
ReplyDeleteYes it's infinity abroad. But i guess smtg to deal with policy changes and that's why first timers are no longer able to pick hawaii as destination anymore
ReplyDeleteHello, may i know when did you apply for the work and travel programme ? as i would be graduating only in 2018 around June i was wondering if i should apply earlier while i'm still a student or to apply after i graduate ? Would it still be valid if i apply after i graduate ?
ReplyDelete