When I first began my semester at SMU, I was shocked at how hardworking students are here and I was particularly surprised by the strong emphasis on obtaining high marks. I had to adjust and I really felt the stresses of school life here. Since this is the case, it was difficult balancing social life, travels, sleep and school work, but now that the end of the semester is near, I think I have finally found a healthy balance.
Normally, I wake up around 9 (some days earlier because of 8 am classes) and I begin my day with a hearty breakfast. I try to get some exercise at the gym in our condo either post breakfast or when I return home from school. Then I get ready for classes, which are only 3 times a week (but for really long periods of time: 3 hours and 15 minutes per class). The rest of the day consists of prepping for the next day’s class, attending group meetings, or studying at the library. Weekdays are rather routine so I try to break up studying by exploring Singapore, which means trying a new restaurant or venturing out to a place I have not been to. Although this island is quite small, it has so many wonderful places. Just the other day, I found a street near the Sultan Mosque and the street is full of cute little shops. The shops sell handcraft, local made goods.
