In Evolution

Introduce yourself!
I’m Michelle, I’m 21 years old, and I’ll be leaving starting my university studies in media and communications in Nottingham in the UK.

Why did you decide to go overseas for university?
I feel like Singapore is a bit of a bubble and I kind of wanna get out of that—meet new people and explore new cultures. I mean, I really, really love Singapore. It’s so clean and the food and culture is amazing. But there’s a certain freedom that Singapore doesn’t have when it comes to creativity that I’d love to explore in the UK.

It’s a bit early to say, but I don’t know if I’ll want to come back to Singapore after I graduate. I would love to stay, maybe not in the UK but around Europe.

Will this be your first time living by yourself?
Yeah, my first time ever. Honestly, I’m very scared and I know I’m going to miss my family and friends, but at the same time, I’m excited to explore the uncertainties of a new place.

I’ve told my friends that it literally feels like I’m dying, but in a good way because I have no idea what my life is going to be like in the next few years! I’ve only been to the city of Nottingham once, and I’ve also made a few friends online, but I have no idea what they’re like in real life. I’ll get to experience a whole new world and be able to craft this journey for myself.

That’s so exciting! Tell us more about your current style and how you think that will evolve as you prepare to experience all four seasons.
I would say my current style feels like it’s neither here nor there. It’s just things that I think will look good on me, fit- and shape-wise. I’m also very inspired by Phoebe Buffet from Friends because she dresses in whatever she likes, but there’s always a theme. I love more greenish-orangey kind of colours, more oriental styles, things like that.

But the thing is, it can get down to 15 degrees in the UK and I honestly don’t know how to layer without looking too bulky or haphazard, you know? In Singapore, you can wear silk and not think about it because it makes you feel cooler. I guess I’ll have to learn as I go along, though I literally just bought about $500 worth of heat tech the other day (laughs).

Last question, where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Oh, my God, that’s such a hard question! I see myself with a rich husband, a job that I like, and a kid for sure. I just hope to be happy, no matter what I’m doing. Right now, I think I’m very happy. So I hope in 10 years, I’ll be equally as happy, surrounded by love, friends, family, and good vibes.

Happiness to me is just knowing that you’re where you’re supposed to be, doing what you’re supposed to do. There’s been so many moments in my life where I feel like I’m not where I’m supposed to be. But right now, even though I’m in a bit of a transitional stage, going somewhere else to live, I feel happy because I’m surrounded by good people and it makes me look forward to the future.