Dear Readers,

I read Papa Al’s article about Taylor Swift. He admitted that he didn’t know the name of any song she sang. I think Papa Al would have felt out of place attending any of her performances.

Papa Al loved teaching at the college level. I took my first American class online from him. What caught his eye was Taylor’s commencement address to the class in 2022 at NYU. What stood out was Taylor’s one-liner, “The scary news is you are on your own now, but the cool news is you are on your own now.”

Taylor’s words echoed in my mind as I embarked on my journey to Yangon, a bustling city teeming with life and opportunities, yet fraught with its own set of challenges and uncertainties. Moving to a new place is never easy, especially when you find yourself navigating unfamiliar streets and facing the reality of being on your own.

As I stepped out into the bustling streets of Yangon, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of trepidation. The neighborhood I now called home was not known for its safety, and the thought of venturing out alone sent shivers down my spine. Yet, I knew that in order to truly embrace my newfound independence, I had to confront my fears head-on.

With each passing day, I found myself venturing out into the city, armed with nothing but a sense of curiosity and a desire to explore. I wandered through the narrow alleyways and bustling markets, taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of this vibrant city. And while there were moments of fear and uncertainty, there was also a sense of exhilaration that came from knowing that I was charting my own course, one step at a time.

But independence came with its own set of challenges. There were times when I felt overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of responsibility that now rested on my shoulders. Simple tasks like going out to grab a bite to eat or studying at a café alone suddenly felt like daunting feats. I found myself constantly sharing my location with friends and loved ones, just to ease the nagging sense of unease that lingered at the back of my mind.

Yet, amidst the struggles and uncertainties, there was a silver lining. I discovered the true meaning of freedom – the freedom to explore, to adventure, and to embrace life on my own terms. I learned to relish the moments of solitude, finding solace in the quiet corners of cafés and the hidden gems tucked away in the city’s alleyways. And with each passing day, I grew stronger, more confident in my ability to navigate the twists and turns of life in Yangon.

In the end, Taylor’s words rang true – the scary news was indeed that I was on my own now, but the cool news was that I was on my own now. And as I stood in the heart of Yangon, surrounded by the hustle and bustle of city life, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. For in the face of adversity, I had found strength, resilience, and the courage to embrace life’s adventures, one step at a time.

This video parallels Taylor’s being on her own.

These are my thoughts about being on my own.

Until next time,

Ti Ti