Up until the beginning of this year, I felt set on a path of acting in UBC's BFA Acting program. Unfortunately last October, a sudden family circumstance occurred. I was left to feel extremely homesick, confused about how to deal with my emotions, and in a state of limbo on whether to continue the program, or university.
Taking one day off and immediately jumping back into acting went quickly downhill. I buried my feelings in work, exercise– ultimately doing anything to keep my mind occupied. But this method only led to more emotional outbursts. From here, I took a two-week breather and began to re-evaluate my decisions. Thankfully my professors understood. They allowed me to fly back to Singapore and drop from the program. I realised that I needed a less concentrated program – one that would help me to focus on myself and my health.
Seeing family and old friends in Singapore and Japan once again after this chaotic time is a moment I treasure to this day. I was slowly able to accept the unexpected death of my great aunt – a lovely lady who I’d spent a lot of time with last summer and who supported me hugely in my pursuit of theatre.
After my much needed break, I was officially enrolled as a BA major in Theatre Studies, which I also see as better suited to my goals and needs. Now, I have a newfound love for screenwriting, directing and the world of film from taking more film modules in my last semester of 2nd year (planning production, film studies and screenwriting.) With a more flexible degree, I am ecstatic to have been accepted to study theatre and film in Bristol Uni! A leading UK university that was my first choice long ago and that has re-entered into my life.
Having finished the last semester with a greater knowledge of the film industry, and currently being in England having completed a summer course in LAW– these open doors&windows that I cherish wouldn’t have be available if the BFA door didn’t close. While my aunt is not physically with me, I know that my creative endeavours will contain a part of her.
