Put your dreams first
Everyone has a dream - perhaps to be a successful athlete or an artist. No matter what it is, if you want to achieve it, you have to make sacrifices.
In this material world, chasing a dream is usually seen as foolish, and many people would say it is more sensible to simply concentrate on your studies, get a place in university and a steady job in the future. But, if I had a chance to achieve my dream, I would give up my studies temporarily.
As famous windsurfer Sam Wong Tak-sum points out, success comes to those who put in the hard work when they are still young. The best time for us to develop our potential is during adolescence. Take athletes for example; they are at their best from the ages of 18 to 25. If they miss these golden years, it will be harder for them to be successful. But 25 is not too old to return to your studies. If you get a chance, I think you should pursue your dreams.
Jessie Lau Si-nam, Kit Sam Lam Bing Yim Secondary School
From the Editor
Thank you for your letter, Jessie. You are right when you say that people need to put in the extra time to make their dreams come true. You're also right when you say 25 is not too old to return to your studies.
The world is changing. In the last generation, people went to school, went to university, got a job and stayed in the same field for most of their lives, perhaps changing companies four or five times during their lives.
These days people are freer. They often change careers, and may have two or three entirely different careers during their lives. Making a study or career choice is not a life sentence. The idea that you should only follow this path of study and career is outdated. So one of the best things to do for yourself would be to follow your dream.
Susan, Editor
