Becoming a Little More Me – My Time in Singapore
By: Byriana Kelly (W ’27)
GRIP: Lien Centre for Social Innovation in Singapore
Being in Singapore has felt like stepping into a new version of myself. The city moves fast, but somehow it’s also helped me slow down. For the first time in a while, I’ve had the space to notice how I move through the world when no one’s watching, how I figure things out, what I pay attention to, and what I gravitate toward when I don’t have anyone guiding the way.
Living here has given me a new kind of independence. Back home, getting around usually meant needing a car or planning ahead. But in Singapore, I’ve learned how to get places on my own, whether it’s taking the MRT, walking for errands, or just exploring with no destination in mind. I’ve come to appreciate the ease of being in a walkable city, where I don’t feel stuck or boxed in. There’s a quiet kind of freedom in being able to move through the city on your own terms.
Food has been one of the most unexpected parts of this journey. I’ve found myself ordering things without knowing exactly what I was getting, just to see what happens. Sometimes it’s amazing, sometimes it’s… an adventure. But every meal has pushed me out of my comfort zone a little more. I’ve started to enjoy the uncertainty; the curiosity, the small thrill of trying something unfamiliar. It’s helped me feel more present, like I’m really in the moment instead of just passing through it.
I’ve also been spending more time alone than I’m used to, which at first felt strange. But now, I see it differently. I’ve realized that being alone doesn’t mean being lonely. It means getting to know yourself better. It means making your own plans, moving at your own pace, and not needing to explain it to anyone. That part has been hard sometimes, especially being far from home — but it’s also been quietly healing.
There’s still more for me to see and learn here. But I already know this trip is going to stay with me. It’s not just about the places or experiences, it’s about who I’ve started becoming in the process. A little more open. A little more sure of myself. A little more me.