Arriving in the Sarawak seaside fishing village in Malaysia felt like stepping into a scene from a National Geographic magazine. The vibrant ocean, lush forest and picturesque Mount Santubong in the distance created a postcard-perfect view. The coastal hiking trail led my friends from the 2024 and 2025 Honors cohort and me through stunning landscapes: yawning rocky caves, mangrove swamps, towering jungles and sandy coves. The beauty was mesmerizing, and the wildlife was the highlight. Seeing mudskippers, water monitor lizards and colorful birds in their natural habitats brought my biology lessons from La Sierra to life. Experiencing these phenomena firsthand was incredible, and it made me realize for the first time that we had truly traveled halfway across the globe.
After our hike, we returned to the fishing village and made our way to a waterfront restaurant, adorned with lanyards of flags and trailing ribbons. I was giddy with excitement. Being in Malaysia, an ocean away from home, felt like entering a whole different world. Yet, I soon realized the similarities that connected us when we met a teenage girl. She was on her moped at the restaurant, talking with her sisters. She told us about her days going to school on her moped and fishing on the weekends. Her life in Malaysia was so different from ours, and it was fascinating to hear her talk. I expected to be struck by the contrasts, but instead, I was amazed by the common ground we shared. She attended school, hung out with friends and took care of her siblings, much like I did. She even shared my dislike for math! Our conversation revealed unexpected parallels in our lives. She was curious about our visit to Malaysia, and we were eager to learn about her daily experiences. This exchange broadened my perspective and deepened my connection to the world. I realized that despite cultural differences, our fundamental experiences were strikingly similar.
Throughout our stay, the theme of shared humanity persisted. Immersed in a new and spectacular culture, I still felt a sense of familiarity and comfort. A similar experience in Malacca stands out to me for this reason. The twinkling lights of Jonker Street will forever elicit within me a Pavlovian response of hunger. The scents and sounds hit me like a freight train, and I loved it. Bustling crowds converged at the various stalls, locals and tourists alike requesting everything from quail eggs to tanghulu. It felt like we were walking straight into an Anthony Bourdain documentary.
Despite being so far from home, the night food market reminded me of those back in California, and the people did too. Stall owners beckoned to the crowds, and we would pay for the greasy food and make our way back to our friends to share. It was a surprisingly familiar experience compared to ones I’ve had before.
When we embarked on a waterfall hike in Kuala Lumpur, I also noticed a remarkable similarity in how we celebrate holidays. Malaysian Independence Day, celebrated on the last day of August, saw families gathering at the waterfalls, barbecuing and enjoying time with their loved ones. It reminded me a great deal of 4th of July celebrations in the United States. The laughter, games and joy we witnessed felt so familiar. Experiencing their celebration of a national holiday reinforced how similar our experiences are, even from a world apart. I’m glad we got to share in their joyous occasion, highlighting once again our similarities. Our visits to various temples and places of worship also highlighted an overlap in the ways we practiced religion. Despite the different belief systems of Christianity versus Islam or Buddhism, the respect and devotion to religion remained constant.
We ate different foods, but meals remained a social activity, much like at home. Religious practices differed, yet the reverence and awe were universally relatable. Buildings varied in appearance, but their purposes were the same. The people were friendly and curious, and my favorite part was engaging in conversations with everyone I met. From the girl in the fishing village to the stall owners on Jonker Street to the worshippers in temples, we were all different, yet so similar.
Reflecting on my experiences, I realized that my journey through Malaysia and Singapore was a profound exploration of cultures, communities and connections. Interacting with locals and immersing myself in their way of life fostered a newfound appreciation for perspectives beyond my own. Indeed, life in the United States differs markedly from that in Malaysia, yet amidst the diversity, I discovered a shared humanity grounded in similar values and aspirations. Engaging with individuals from diverse backgrounds enriched my worldview, inspiring a desire to continue exploring and learning from cultures around the globe.
—Alexandria Falvo, Class of 2025: Biology