Oh Juice!

Wednesday, May 17, 2006

Studying Abroad.

No, not the "me" type of studying abroad. The type who leave their parents or asked by their parents to go and study in another country which is said to have "better education" than the Philippines. The type who live in dorms, or stay with foster families in countries around Europe, or USA and Australia.

My batchmates who are not Filipinos (internationally speaking I'm supposed to be Class of 2007 coz international HS is 6 years) are slowly fading away from this country (Indonesia). Some are going to the U.S, Australia, Europe and without their parents, studying in colleges and getting a dorm, and entering a foreign country without knowing anyone. No relatives and all. I mean, how can we, FILIPINO TEENAGERS could possibly do that, or could possibly be allowed by our parents to do that?! If we, for instance, have the privelage to study abroad, there should be a relative living in that foreign place at least to watch out for us.

We all know that one of the very famous Filipino traits are having close family ties. That is indeed true. I don't know many Filipino teenagers who study abroad for college away from their parents. It's just not the Filipino nature. We stay with our parents either till we graduate, have a job or even till we get married. We are just too attached with our families.

Years ago I used to dream of studying college faar away from my parents and get the ultimate freedom. But now, it all seems sooo weird thinking about it.

I was at my barkada's house a while ago just hanging out and this topic of going to college abroad away from our parents just seemed far-fetched. We live with our Moms and Dads here in Indonesia, because we all want to be together as a family. One of my friends said that the furthest she'd probably study away from her parents is back in the Philippines. Because she knows that the Philippines is her home and that she would feel safe there, even though she grew up here in Indonesia.

Do you agree with what I say? Coz in my position right now, in my college years, I can't think of being anywhere else besides being with my parents here in Indonesia. That's why I came back after doing a year of college in Cebu independently. Their presence is what we need in our lives right now. Their support, their care. So if you think you're parents are suffocating you, think again. Think of what would happen to you if they weren't by your side. =)

♥ Justine
10:57 PM