Fall break is not only a time for relaxation, but also a rare opportunity for many students to travel and explore their surroundings. For junior Grace Paul, it was a chance to do just that. Instead of spending her break at home, she packed her bags and set off on an unforgettable journey to Singapore and the small, picturesque island of Langkawi in Malaysia.
Traveling is nothing new for Paul, who over the past year has wandered through the ancient ruins of Greece and enjoyed the historic sites of Germany. But this adventure was different. Not only did she sightsee, but she also immersed herself in the very different cultures of these two areas. “Malaysia is more full of farmland and smaller communities. And then Singapore is a huge city and a lot like New York,” Paul said. From the dazzling city lights of Singapore to the jungles of Langkawi, Paul experienced the city energy and the natural beauty that left a lasting impression.
In Singapore, Paul faced many culture shocks. “In Singapore, they have laws for, like, everything. It made sure that everyone was being safe and the area as a whole was, like, so much cleaner than you’d expect,” Paul said. Singapore uses strict laws not only to regulate crime but also to maintain cleanliness throughout the city. “They have these food stands, and you have to, like, basically be your own waiter and clean up your dishes after. And if you leave, like, one piece of trash on your table, it’s like a five-hundred-dollar fine,” Paul said. These rules contribute to Singapore’s reputation as one of the cleanest cities in the world.
Paul’s experience in the bustling city contrasted sharply with her time on the small island of Langkawi. While there, she connected closely with nature and wildlife.“We went on a boat tour through the jungle, and there were monkeys through the trees, and we got to feed them and hang out with them,” Paul said. She was also struck by the tight-knit communities of the island’s residents. Growing up in the United States, she found it eye-opening to see how much the people of Langkawi relied on one another. “When you live in a place like this, so separate from the rest of the world, it’s really important to work together to build your community. It’s very different from here in Indiana, where everyone is spread out so we live our lives so separately,” Paul said.
It’s no secret that traveling can give people a chance to sightsee, try new foods, and meet new people. But Paul believes it goes much deeper than that. “I think it’s important to see other people’s cultures and see how they live their lives,” Paul said. Traveling, she added, allows people to experience more of the world than what’s right in front of them. Paul encourages others to be open to new experiences while abroad. “If you have blinders and you think that your way of living is the only correct way, it will close off your perspective on so many things that are valuable,” she said.
Paul’s travels have reminded her that the world is much bigger than what she sees every day. Whether in the heart of a bustling city or on a quiet island, she has learned that every place has something new to teach—and every journey can offer a fresh perspective.
