Breaking Stereotypes

Good morning everyone. How are you today? I am glad to hear that. Today, I want to tell you why I
started to travel and what have I learnt along the way.

My story begins in a small town, Butterworth, where I grew up. I come very traditional Indian family
and I went to all-girls school. As a kid, I had very little confidence and I always felt insecure in the
public. I spent most of my time in my own little world reading storybooks, daydreaming and
painting.

One fine day, during my fourth year at high school, my Mathematics teacher, Tamil Selvi briefed us
about a high school exchange program to the United States of America. She went on and on about
the benefits of spending an entire semester in the United States, stressing a little phrase that I didn’t
pay too much attention at that time “You never know what the future holds”. I got really excited.
Instantaneously, I decided I wanted to go to this magical land. I went through a series of selection
camp and I finally got into the program. I remember daydreaming on the plane about the American
High School experience, with lockers and kids with perfect hair. Just like my favorite teenage movie
show “High School Musical” maybe it was going to be even better, I was going to meet my Troy and
dance for prom. The God, however had an entirely different plan. I was sent to Hartfield, Virginia, a
part of Middlesex County. A beautiful and peaceful countryside covered by huge trees and large corn
fields and houses spread at least 1 kilometer apart. I was hosted by an old couple in their 80’s and I
attended Middlesex High School which had less than 200 students. I struggled to fit in the new
society and to make new friends. I experienced terrible homesick and tears would flow every time I
hear my mother’s voice over the phone. I wished I never came. Half a year passed by quickly and I
came back to Malaysia as an entirely new person. I appreciated the presence of my family, I longed
for their love and care. I felt pity for my Indonesian maid who is away from her family and struggling
to meet her ends. I changed for better. It was then, that I realized that I needed to travel more to
learn more.

There are different types of travel. Some people like to travel solo and some like to travel in groups.
Some people travel for a certain purpose like religion, business, educational etc.

Firstly, travel molds you to make your own decisions. The very moment you decide to travel, you
have to start making important decisions. You have to think which airline to take, which route to
take, where you are going to stay, what are the places you are going to visit, and what are the food
you want to try etc. The decisions I made during my exchange was to go for drama lessons, track and
field and art class. I also made the decision to go for prom with my Indonesian friend. You will have
to bear the consequences of your decisions and this, will make you a responsible person.

Next, travel expands your knowledge. It breaks most stereotypes you have about other citizens. For
instance, I thought all Blacks were either robbers or murderers. To my surprise, they turned out to
be the best people I met. They have such loving and kind heart. Besides, you will also learn other’s
history, culture and language. Architecture of palaces and temples in Thailand, Bangkok and India
never fails to mesmerize anyone. There is science behind these architectures. The picture on the left
is King Palace in Bangkok. This is Bayon Temple, built by Mahayana Buddhist King Jayavarman 8. This
is Sultan Abdul Samad Said Building in Kuala Lumpur, initially it was the British Administration office.
And on your right is the Christ Church. One of the oldest protestant church in Malaysia.

Next, you get to build long lasting relationships. This is a picture of my friends from all around the
world (Germany, Yemen, Thailand, and Indonesia). It was taken 5 years ago in Virginia. We keep in
touch through video calls. My friend, Stella from Germany visited me two years ago and I brought
her around Malaysia. So did Wikan from Indonesia, last year.

Last but certainly not least, you would experience new things. You will break your boundaries and
get out of your comfort zone to experience amazing things. This is what makes travelling addictive.
These are some of things which I experienced. I have been for boat riding and mangrove planting in
Ampawa, Thailand, I dared myself to give a thank you speech for an ASEAN event at Bangkok,
Thailand. I participated in the choir performance. And I protested on the roads of India.

Aside from all these, travelling makes you happy and contented. Hence, I urge all of you in this room
to travel as much as you can. And to travel as soon as you can because later might be too late.

Thank you.