“I have to say, I’m grateful you’ll be staying with an Indian family instead of a Muslim one.” My grandmother said this in a hushed voice, even though we were the only people in the room. Her words bothered me a bit– but, I must admit, I was sort of relieved too. The colorful Hindu culture…
Liberty: Lessons From Malaysia
I wrote this essay for a scholarship application last year. I think it has a relevant, powerful message, a reminder which we can all benefit from. Let me know what you think! Liberty: Lessons From Malaysia As I look around the classroom, I see laughing, smiling seventeen year olds, worried about homework and exams, excited…
Three Months In: An Essay
I wrote this essay for BP, the provider of my scholarship, when I was approaching the three-month mark of my time in Malaysia. Hannah Greene AFS BP Global Citizens of Tomorrow Scholarship: Three Months In October 2016 Two years ago, I remember seeing a photograph of the Batu Caves in my AP World History textbook…
I’m Home! A Recap of the Past Few Months (Including Ten Days in Thailand!)
It’s now the end of June, and I am home in Baltimore! Of course I was sad to leave my beloved host family and community in Malaysia, but I am also excited to get back into life here and be with my friends and family. Before coming back to Baltimore: After sad goodbyes to our…
Week 34: Terengganu Week 2! (And the Holi Festival!)
March 20-26 Our second week in Terengganu! Monday morning we went to Ziq Bakery and Cake, the bakery factory of one girl’s temporary host family. We decorated cupcakes, which was fun! Of course none of ours turned out as beautifully as the professionals’ did, but they tasted pretty good. Afterward, Ying drove Anna (Hungary), Grace…
Week 33: A Tropical Island and a Week Full of Adventure!
March 13-19 Why did I choose Malaysia? Well, I’m not entirely sure, but a significant part of my decision-making process was based on Google Images searches for “Malaysia beaches” and “South Africa beaches” for my tied-for-first-place choices of countries I could choose for my scholarship. I decided on Malaysia because geographically I can never be…
Week 32: Adventures in Tapah, KL and the Journey to Terengganu (STE Part 1)
March 6- 12 Monday we had school again. My foot was really really really hurting (the foot I’ve had problems with for the past couple of years) after two days of very light running, but I guess I hadn’t rested enough following the track meet. We had hockey practice after school, and on the way…
Week 31: Track Meet and a Wonderful Weekend In Ipoh
February 27- March 5 Monday I didn’t have to go to school! I had just finished two weeks straight of nearly daily school sports, and the following three days I had a track meet. I somehow woke up at 7 am so I spent a few hours attempting to fall back asleep (eager to make…
Week 30: A Lot of Sports, with temple prayers in between
February 20-26 Be prepared for a lot of sports narration. (If you are looking for information about Malaysian culture, I suggest you scroll towards the end or check a different post because this week was composed almost entirely of me doing sports. 😂) This post has a lot of writing since I don’t have many…
Week 29: Visiting an Orang-Asli Kampung, Launching the AFS Club, and Practicing Sports
February 13- 19 One day after school, we drove two of the students who had stayed to help set up to their Orang Asli (indigenous people) kampung! We reached their village after several kilometers into the jungle on a long, very bumpy gravel road. They showed me around the village and introduced me to some…
Week 28: Thaipusam!
Febuary 6-12 On Wednesday I went to the district cross country competition along with 23 other students from our school (6 in each age/ gender group, Under 15 and Under 18). After a six kilometer run through a kampung (village), along a road, and through more kampungs, I won fifth place! This qualified me to…
Week 27: Buddhist Monks, More Ponggal, a Birthday, and Chinese Prayers
February 1-5 The weather in Malaysia doesn’t exactly allow for a lot of snow days, but I did get a monk day! Instead of school one day, I joined Ibe’s family for lunch with Buddhist monks. Ibe’s host father trained to be a monk, and his teacher is still a close friend of the family….
My Year in Malaysia 