Meet Nelson Er and Ethel Wong, if you don’t already know them. Nelson graduated from the University of Oklahoma with Bachelor and Master degrees of Science in Electrical Engineering (Class of ’97 and ’99). He also completed a Master in Education in Instructional Psychology and Technology recently. Ethel Wong graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing in 1998. Nelson and Ethel continued to stay in Norman after their studies, and they got married in June 1997.
Currently, Nelson is serving as a clinical assistant professor at OU Health Sciences Center College of Pharmacy. He is conducting educational research and pursuing a doctorate in education psychology. Ethel is working for a local company in Norman.
According to the couple, the pace of life in Oklahoma is slow compared to Singapore. They do not feel that it is stressful living there and personal space is abundant. They have more time to spend with each other too.
On the other hand, Nelson and Ethel miss their families here very much. They also wish they can get the diverse food choices that we get in Singapore over there. Sometimes, they also miss the vibrant and upbeat city lifestyle. The couple tries to visit families and friends in Singapore once every two years. They also make short, out-of-town trips often.
“We miss the Singapore gatherings that the former Student Association of Singapore (SAS) used to organise here,” said Nelson.
With less Singaporeans studying in OU, the SAS officially ended its run in 2004. Nelson and Ethel are only aware of two full-time Singapore students there currently.
The couple still makes it a point to go to the Thanksgiving dinner that Mr and Mrs Michael Eng organise annually. But they lament that the event has turned into a much ‘milder’ celebration nowadays. Nevertheless they look forward to each celebration there as they love Man Ling’s (Mrs Eng’s) cooking. Besides this, Nelson and Ethel also have regular cookouts with other Singaporeans there. One family that they do this with is Peter and Irene Khor and their two boys, Nicholas and Joshua.
Having spent nearly a decade in Norman, we have bidden farewell to many students. One of those whom they miss very much is Francis Yap Teck Beng.
“We used to spend a lot of time at Francis’ apartment sampling Singaporean cooking and chatting away. He would cook many variety dishes and feed us really well,” Ethel recalled.
According to Nelson and Ethel, real estate is booming in Norman. Housing prices reaches US$150 per square foot at prime locations. Surprisingly, it is more expensive than in Dallas, Texas. Of course, it is still very affordable compared to Singapore.
The couple has been living in a house at 12th and Rock Creek for more than four years. They will be moving to West Norman, off 36th and Tecumseh, in early spring 2006. The Khors will also be moving to that area soon.
“We welcome any Singapore Sooners to stay with us at our new place or contact us when they come visiting in Norman. We will be glad to be your guide to this college town that you once called home,” said the couple with true South-western hospitality.
If you would like to contact Nelson and Ethel, they can be reached at the following email addresses:
Nelson Er - Nelson-er@ouhsc.edu
Ethel Wong - ethelwong@hotmail.com