11th Jan 2009 (by Scott)

1st Birthday in the US

During the first Saturday of Winter Quarter, the NUSAF family got together once again after a long 3 weeks of winter break. For me this was also one of my first times going out with NUSAF, having just come to Northwestern less than a week ago. We met at The Arch (a first for me!), and walked down to Merle’s for dinner. Close to 30 people came, which is a really sizeable crowd for NUSAF. I got to know many of the NUSAF people for the first time there and was introduced to them as well. We went round the table with everyone in turn introducing themselves for my sake. I’m really glad to meet so many friendly Singaporeans. The dinner was good too and it was just generally a good time.

Right after everyone was done with dinner, when I thought that we were going to split the bill and then head back to campus, the waitress brought in a most delicate chocolate cake and everyone started singing Happy Birthday to me - What a pleasant surprise! I did not remember telling anyone about my birthday, so it came as a shock, especially when I thought my birthday was already over the day before. What magical powers NUSAF has I do not know, but I really appreciated it. I had only arrived in the US not long ago and was still finding my feet here: Living in a totally new place, meeting new people, and even getting lost every day in the labyrinth called “Tech”, not to mention braving the harsh winter weather after uprooting from the sunny tropical island of Singapore. Stepping into my 21st year is a significant moment and you guys made it special to me. Thank you all for a great birthday!!

Scott