Asians have been brought up with the overwhelming idea of being successful in life, me included, but how can we define "successs"? It have always dawned on me that there are so many things to live for, so many things that are worthwhile to do and so many things that can be done.
From a very small age, I have been brainwashed to strive for the best; get good grades, be all-rounded, get amazing achievements, go to a top university, study in a professioinal field, get a well-paid job... Even when my parents are not forcing this thought into me, being in the society that has this common belief is enough to brainwash any student crazy. But when you stop to think about it, What am I gaining from meeting all these "goals" and fitting myself into what society thinks is good for me? Perhaps a monthly salary that allows me to buy whatever I want? People looking up to me with respect?
What is life when we couldn't even live it? There is so many things in the world that is worth seeing, feeling and experiencing. Why get trapped in the loney world of studies or work when there is so many things to be explored? Life is too short, it's time to start doing things we like rather than blindly chasing what others think is good for us.
From a very small age, I have been brainwashed to strive for the best; get good grades, be all-rounded, get amazing achievements, go to a top university, study in a professioinal field, get a well-paid job... Even when my parents are not forcing this thought into me, being in the society that has this common belief is enough to brainwash any student crazy. But when you stop to think about it, What am I gaining from meeting all these "goals" and fitting myself into what society thinks is good for me? Perhaps a monthly salary that allows me to buy whatever I want? People looking up to me with respect?
What is life when we couldn't even live it? There is so many things in the world that is worth seeing, feeling and experiencing. Why get trapped in the loney world of studies or work when there is so many things to be explored? Life is too short, it's time to start doing things we like rather than blindly chasing what others think is good for us.
If you are studying or doing something that you love, my deepest congratulations. If you are stuck or lost, I would recommend you to take a gap year, drop whatever you are doing and travel. By traveling I don't mean booking a tour and living in hotels. Go alone, find a hostel or do couch surfing, get away from the life you're living now and see the world. Talk to other people, get to know different cultures, be inspired. From there find out what you really like and what you really want. This goes to the many DSE students who are currently taking the world's most difficult exam too. Strive with all you have, if in the end you can't get what you want, don't settle for any less. Honestly, why care about how others think?
Take the road less travelled.
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