Member Spotlight
Getting to Know Our Members Beyond the Usual Chitchat by Helena A. Cochrane Hilary North Scheler Hilary was on the fence; she was not sure she wanted to uproot her young kids from their comfortable suburban life outside New York City, but her husband John’s work opportunity in Singapore was very appealing. Covid restrictions led to delays and uncertainty, and some reluctance. But then, encouragement from another expat mom with three kids who lived nearby in NYC tipped the scales. Hilary, John and their children Max (8) Amy and Annie (5) arrived in July 2021, coped with quarantine, school placement, work from home, and the entire litany. Hilary says she would do it again. For her kids, this opportunity to live in another country has been terrific. A neuroscientist by training, Hilary may be analyzing this transition from the inside. Hilary North Scheler
done since before having kids. Through that, I meet new people and enjoy the outdoors. Do you have any Singaporean friends? How do you think they have helped you adapt? We’ve made friends in our building, through the kids, and through the American Club. We’re finding Singapore to be a friendly and social place. We have a handful of local friends through the preschool and my husband’s company. They have bent over backwards both to help us feel at home and to find everything we needed when getting settled. What life lesson have you learned during your time in Singapore? My mom was an Army brat who grew up in the Middle East. She encouraged me to take this on, to give this expat experience to my kids. She urged me to take the plunge and do something out of my comfort zone – move 10,000 miles away with three kids during a global pandemic!
What have you enjoyed more about Singapore than you thought you would? What has been the most pleasant surprise? What have you struggled with that you didn’t expect to be challenging? I love the weather! Sometimes it can be a bit too hot, but I love never needing a jacket and being able to plan outdoor activities year round. Coming from the Northeast US, I thought I’d miss the seasons more. Not yet! On the other hand, Covid safeguards have been a big challenge, but then again, I’m really, really bad at following rules. Have you tried something new in Singapore? The weather and having a helper here have allowed me to play tennis and go swimming, which I haven’t otherwise 18
AWA Magazine May/June 2022
John, Hilary, Amy, Max and Annie
What item in your Singapore home makes you feel the most settled? My iPhone! All of my friends and family are just a text message or FaceTime call away, at least in the morning and late at night.
