Seattle was the 10th state I had visited during my time there. Living in Seattle means residing in one of the most beautiful and vibrant cities in the US. Here are my personal experiences during my time there:
People & Culture
I lived in Seattle for two and a half years, and during that time, I had the best experience building connections with colleagues, friends, and family friends. Having a diverse group of friends from both local and international backgrounds, including Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Indonesia, China, and Japan, provided me with the opportunity to learn about various cultures. This was one of the highlights of my college life. Everyone valued in-person company and was always up for spontaneous meetups.
With a rich history connected to Japan, individuals with Japanese backgrounds were prevalent in every corner, including among my college administrative staff and the family with whom I stayed. I had the privilege of staying with an amazing family, and I couldn’t have asked for more. Similar to Cambodia, we shared a common value, placing a high regard on treasuring family time and respecting the elderly. My time was well-balanced between assignments, work, volunteering, and spending time with friends and family. We typically ended the day with delicious, healthy, home-cooked meals. We often gathered to discuss our day and dedicated one day a week to watch a movie or enjoy the Seahawk game together as a family.
Lifestyle
I found that most people in Seattle are incredibly humble, less materialistic, highly educated, open-minded, and very down to earth. People dress in a presentable manner without being overly flashy. It’s interesting to note that one can’t always identify a millionaire, a doctor, or someone successful based solely on how they dress or the car they drive.
Many young American adults leave home right after high school or, at times, after college. Independence, a love for travel, and a thirst for new adventures are common traits. It’s a great privilege to meet individuals with an entrepreneurial spirit—creative, innovative, intellectual, and very encouraging. I’ve developed a love for building relationships, listening, and learning about their diverse backgrounds. Despite coming from various walks of life, there’s a strong sense of community, care, and passion to contribute to making the world a better place. Differences are embraced as opportunities to share valuable knowledge..
Many people I know find joy in volunteering across various fields, channeling their passion to give back to the community. Additionally, there are numerous kind-hearted individuals involved in fundraising efforts, contributing financially, dedicating their time, and providing life-saving supplies for both local and international causes. Personally, I had the opportunity to be part of a PATH conference, a global NGO based in Seattle. It was fascinating to witness how people come together, taking collective actions to make a significant impact and save lives.
Career
Seattle, renowned as a tech city and the residence of Microsoft founder Bill Gates, boasts thriving occupations in healthcare and Information Technology. Key roles include software developers and information security professionals. The city is a hub for major global companies spanning the internet, healthcare, and real estate sectors. Notable names include Amazon, Microsoft, Starbucks, Costco, PATH, The Gates Foundation, Redfin, Zillow, among others.
My career development extended beyond the confines of classrooms, volunteer experiences, or workplace endeavors. Priceless values and life lessons were ingrained in me daily by my host family, who, despite being my father’s close friends, became my own cherished family. These experiences deepened my understanding of the real world, unveiling the unspoken nuances of Western culture distinct from Cambodia and preparing me for the future. Lessons ranged from mastering seemingly minor gestures like making direct eye contact and offering a firm handshake to successfully handling multiple work projects and honing leadership skills. One of the most encouraging pieces of advice I received from my host mom was, ‘No matter what you want to achieve or what it takes, if you work hard for it, you will achieve it.’ I often jokingly mentioned wanting my name on the college wall and receiving a leadership award at graduation, and to my surprise, I managed to achieve both. Yet, beyond the accolades, the journey has been about so much more.
I’ve actively participated in numerous conferences, including statewide events like The Student of Color Conferences and Leadership Conferences in Washington Olympia, spanning multiple days. Additionally, I’ve had the privilege of hosting multiple Leadership Retreats. These experiences provided me with the opportunity to represent the entire college student population, giving voice to advocate for positive changes. As an international student from Cambodia, initially knowing no one in a new city, I am grateful for the chance to establish meaningful, long-lasting relationships with incredible individuals, immerse myself in intellectual circles, and contribute positively to the community.
Weather
Seattle’s license plates often bear the phrase ‘Evergreen State,’ a nod to its misty climate and towering evergreen trees that maintain their green foliage year-round. These trees contribute to a temperate climate, ensuring summers are not excessively hot and winters remain relatively mild. The city’s landscape, immortalized in the Twilight movies, showcases the natural beauty of evergreen trees reflecting on the lakes. Moreover, Mount Rainier is easily visible from various vantage points across Seattle.
The typical day in Seattle is characterized by misty weather with occasional rain. Residents often equip themselves with waterproof boots and jackets to navigate the weather comfortably. Despite the frequent drizzle, the favorable climate encourages year-round outdoor activities in the midst of nature.
Home to the SEAHAWKS 12th Man
Americans take immense pride in their national football teams, often aligning themselves with their favorite team or the state they hail from. This shared enthusiasm creates a sense of community, fostering friendly competition and camaraderie. Beyond major games, I would occasionally gather with friends on Sundays to watch matches, using it as an excuse to spend quality time together. Football, like many other sports, has a unique ability to bring people together, transcending ethnicity and origin.
1st Super Bowl Champion in 2013
Fun fact, I got a chance to witness first Superbowl in the city again and this time was in Seattle! During my time in Seattle in 2013, the city celebrated its first Super Bowl championship with parades and festivities.
Leisure
Living in Seattle provides the privilege of indulging in numerous outdoor activities during the summer, including fruit picking, camping, and hiking. Many residents also relish water activities such as fishing, sail boating, and cruising around Lake Washington during the warmer months. Crystal Mountain, a popular winter destination just under a 2-hour drive from Seattle, becomes a favorite spot for skiing and snowshoeing, offering a refreshing winter hiking experience amid the mountainous landscapes.
Location
Besides engaging in winter sports within the city, Seattle residents often embark on road trips to Vancouver, Canada, for weekend ski and snowboard activities. The proximity of Oregon state allows for convenient travel, and I personally visited a family there during a school break, taking a 5-hour train ride. Taking advantage of Oregon’s lack of sales tax, many Seattle residents make occasional trips for shopping. Additionally, Los Angeles is easily accessible, less than a 3-hour flight away.
Downtown
Explore the iconic landmarks of Seattle, starting with the centrally located Space Needle. Utilize the sky train to visit various tourist attractions like the Gum Wall, Pike Place Market, the first Starbucks shop in the world, the Glass Museum, and more.
Seattle, my third home, holds a special place in my heart with cherished memories and self-discovery. Though it was tough to say goodbye, I’m sure I’ll be back to this wonderful city that has shaped me in more ways than one.