First Friendship in Formosa

The first twenty four hours is the most important time when someone coming to the other country as foreigner. The first is the longest. My first experiences of friendship in Taiwan is the longest memory I remember.

First time in Formosa. It was in Taoyuan International Airport. My fellow citizen picked me up then brought me safely to dormitory. It sounds nothing special. Yes. But that moment I believe I will never walk alone. Knowing that someone from the same country is here to help. That moment, that is it! In the sequel, my fellow citizens and I walked together on International Cultural Week held by my university. All together we perform the poco-poco dance. That moment I believe the togetherness with fellow citizens will dance my life here. That is it! Just like poco-poco dance which is well-known as a popular and cheerful dance, likewise my friendship with fellow citizens in Formosa. It adds joy to my life.

First time in dormitory. It was in The Second Female Dormitory. I reached my room, and there was three people there. Two Taiwanese and one Vietnamese. A warm welcome that forever I save in my heart. I only stayed with them for one week. It was really hard to say goodbye with friends who accompanied me during the first week. But, in accordance to the dormitory rule, we had to move. Until now, we still keep saying hello when we meet. Since then I have new roommates, two Taiwanese and one Indonesian. They are as great as my first roommates. There is moment when one of them had birthday. We planned secretly an activity to celebrate it. In a short time we almost run out idea. But, at the end the surprise worked out!

First time in university. It was in National Taiwan Ocean University. I felt so nervous. Had no idea to be talked with the professors. I didn’t know what to say with the other students. Then, a girl whom I never met before suddenly showed up in front up my face. I was very shocked. It was not because of her coming, but of her words. She said, ‘Tapi…’ That is a word in Bahasa Indonesia. Yes, I am an Indonesian. At that time I only thought, who is this girl who speaks in Bahasa Indonesia? She introduced herself. It turned out, she has some friends and family who live in Indonesia. She is my classmates. She speaks in Chinese, English and Bahasa Indonesia. What a super surprise! Later on, she and the other classmates help me, mostly on translating class materials. Even if all of lectures are taught in Chinese, I still can make sense of it. ‘Keep fighting!’ Two words that they often say to me. I will, my friends!

Formosa gives me a lovely gift since the first time. That moment I experience a sweet friendship. The first friendships will last forever.