Little-Wonder.Net - Personal domain and blog of Brenda Tan

It’s been one and a half years since I first step foot into SMU, and many things have indeed, changed.

Back then, I was this wee, apprehensive little girl, fresh from Junior College, entering a completely new environment with hardly any of my friends around. Most have decided to go to the other local universities and abandoned me, and so I was literally on my own.

Building friendships from scratch was the toughest part. I’ve always been someone who was highly cautious when approaching people, mainly because I am not exactly a very extroverted person.

My background in friendship-building hadn’t been smooth-flowing either. I had been this irritating girl who everyone avoided back in primary school. I chose to withdraw myself and keep a low profile from my corner of the classroom in secondary school.

Junior College was slightly different, as I tried to open up a bit more to the people around - although I still had my difficulties every now and then.

Naturally, I was worried when university life rolled around.

My life in university got off to a bumpy start. I had this reputation of being the girl who tried too hard to speak up during lectures, and ends up sprouting complete nonsense instead. Three months into university was when I got hit pretty hard by a sign from the sky telling me that, “Hey, you ought to shut up. You’re annoying everyone in the class.”

So, I clamed up.

Building a circle of friends in a new environment was indeed challenging for someone who was still trying to break out of her shell. Furthermore, I lacked confidence back then (after having gone through too many setbacks back in Junior College) which made things worst. I didn’t know how people would react when I approached them and so, I mostly kept to myself.

It was not that I had people-issues. I just decided to close myself up, that’s all.

Thankfully, my course is full of people who would initiate friendships, and soon I found myself being drawn in.

Having these friends around had built up my self-confidence by a great deal. I no longer feel apprehensive when talking to people, worrying that they might judge me based on the impression I give.

Most of the people I’ve encountered here are a warm bunch who willingly accepted me for who I am, and I am highly grateful for that.

Now, these are the friends who make me laugh, who share their secrets with me (and likewise), who show concern for me, who listen to me whine (and likewise), who poke me awake when I fall asleep in class, who warn me when I do something I am not supposed to be doing. In short, the people who are just always there for me.

Elizabeth, Clara, Mithila, Ruth, Belle, Meizhen, Parlin, Kanaga, Loi (Argh, how could I have forgotten? And Aries too!) and anyone else who should be on this list but I may have left out in my state of semi consciousness - this entry is dedicated to you.

Thanks for making me who I am today - this loud, sometimes overly confident, hyperactive girl who squeaks and squeals into your ears, making them bleed. The girl who makes a fool of herself just to make you laugh but hey, I do brighten up your day, aye? ;)

Just kidding on that last statement. (Haha.)

As for now, I need to seek some yummy treats from the refrigerator, as my stomach is beginning to make very strange, growling noises.