Most parents always think that the most
famous school is the best choice.」 Of course, parents hope that their
children would enter the so-called 「star schools.」 In their opinion,
studying in these schools means that one can receive better education
and have more chance to become a successful person. That is, those who
study at the most famous schools will have a bright future because they
think that most companies will put emphasis on whether one studied at
well-known schools or not. What parents do not realize is that such
beliefs also become heavy burdens for their children.
When I was going to senior high school, my parents tried to force me to
enter 「Kaohsiung girls』 high school,」 which is viewed as the best and
most famous school in Kaohsiung. Although my test scores were high
enough to enter 「KGHS」, I still hoped that I could make my own choice.
I had my own reasons for not wanting to enter 「KGHS.」 First, that
school is far away from my home. If I were a student of that school, I
would have to get up very early every morning to catch the bus. And I
don』t want to waste much time on transportation because I would rather
get up early to preview my studies. I wanted to study at a school next
to my home. Second, in order to have better standing in the
recommendation admission program, I would have to do my best in my
studies. But if I were surrounded by all those students who have very
great academic performance at KGHS, I would have no confidence in my own
studies in that condition. Then, I would get bad grades and be
unhappy. I just needed to have a sense of achievement in order to study
well. Third, I liked the style of the school that is closer to my
home. In that school, freedom is the main specialty. Students can have
more freedom to join in extracurricular activities.
I might have my own
reasons for not attending KGHS, but my parents obviously did not agree.
So I quarreled a lot with my parents over my decision. They always
thought that it would be a pity not to enter 「KGHS」 as I had the 「right」
to enter it. Most of my friends also stood on my parents』 side. In
their point of view, I would regret it in the future if I didn』t study
at that prestigious school. I told myself to stand firm and never give
up because I knew how important it was for me to do what I wanted. This
is my future and I should be the master of my future. So I picked my
ideal school without hesitation. As I had expected, my parents were
very angry and we sank into a cold war.
It was only much later
that they changed their attitude. One day, they said to me: 」Kid! Be
yourself! Do what you want to do!」 I felt so happy that I shed tears
several times because my parents finally understood my thoughts. My
parents and I struggled a long time over this decision and I can still
remember how hopeless and sad I felt at the time. But if you give me a
chance to change my decision, I will still say 「No!」 to KGHS because my
decision at that time was the right decision. I had a colorful and
happy life at the school of my choice. So I believe that sometimes we
need to stick to our goal if we think that our choice is correct.