I learned that I had to stand on my own feet and take responsibility for myself when I started to get more mature and thoughtful at the age of 16. Since I was a child, my parents have taught me to study hard, make progress day by day, and be upright. I was born in an ordinary family. My parents are both office workers earning a decent amount of money every month, unlike any other family that has the ability to own a mansion, but they have given me the most important and truest feeling – Love. They tried their best to create a high-grade habitation for me; therefore, because of their existence, I have now turned into a healthy teenager both at the mental and physical levels. At this moment, I must sincerely pay gratitude to them for my sheltered upbringing.
My early years spent in elementary school have become a great part of my memory; thus, there is an ordinary but special memory that I cannot forget. The event took place when I was in grade 4. Like every weekday morning, my parents always would walk me to school at around 9 am; however, that day was unusual. My parents told me to start getting “independent,” but I did not understand what the term “independent” meant, so I did not worry too much about it. Later, as I finished my breakfast and began to head off for school, my parents affably told me to walk there by myself. I was both shocked and scared at the moment. I once thought of the outside world as a “monster,” full of danger. However, from my parents’ encouragement, I plucked up my courage and went out scrupulously. When I was walking on the street, thoughts like “Are mom and dad trying to cast me away?” came to my mind all of a sudden. Then uneasiness gradually emerged. Thankfully, all my anxiousness disappeared when I arrived at school and saw my parents closely following me in silence. I realized that they have always been by my side!
Time flies like an arrow. Without realizing it, I have already turned 16. Without a doubt, at this age, I must start to take my future into consideration. Therefore, setting goals would be one of the most efficient ways to pave my way to success. Do not belittle a small, specific goal; what it can give you could be lifelong impacts or subtle changes. Thus, it is confirmed that goal-setting provides one direction to go towards, and envisioning reaching that goal could also be very motivating. I aspire to be a biologist in the future, but just thinking is quite far from enough; I must set up a variety of small goals to achieve this lifetime goal. Currently, I have already set up a goal of trying my best to get into UBC or Douglas’ biology degree program when I graduate from high school. In addition, I plan to take most of the science courses in secondary school to enhance my knowledge in science, which would be beneficial for my post-secondary application. It is tough, but I would not retreat! Ideals are the beacons. Without ideals, there is no secure direction; without direction, there is no life.
