Chapter 1: Reflections on Education

Most individuals carry vivid memories from their school years, with some experiences evoking smiles and others causing distress. It's often believed that a blend of positive experiences can lead to fond reflections in the future. This narrative illustrates my journey of confronting a heavy childhood burden and the delightful transformation that followed.

During my high school years, I excelled academically. Contrary to what my classmates assumed, I didn’t spend endless hours studying. I had the fortunate ability to quickly grasp concepts. As I consistently topped my class, this accomplishment began to define my identity. My peers would often compare their children’s performance with mine, and I admit, it felt validating at that moment.

This validation laid the groundwork for my obsession with being the best. Academic success became synonymous with my self-worth. Though I never flaunted my achievements, my quiet determination was always present.

Rumors circulated among my classmates suggesting that my teachers favored me, attributing my success to their bias. While I recognized that my hard work earned me their respect, I dismissed the idea that favoritism played a role. I was committed to giving my best in every exam.

Life tests everyone, and I faced my own challenges during this time. A friend, who was also my academic rival, was putting in significant effort. We often competed closely, but I managed to maintain my lead until a pivotal moment occurred.

Both of us achieved the same top score in our final exam.

I should have celebrated this accomplishment, but instead, I felt uneasy since the exam had been externally evaluated. My mind raced with thoughts that her success would reinforce the rumor of favoritism regarding my previous scores. I ignored the possibility that she may have worked hard to achieve her result. Instead, I was frustrated at the prospect of sharing my top position with her.

Years later, even with the challenges posed by the pandemic during my university studies, I came to a valuable realization: many of my peers were more intelligent than I was. This was not a setback; rather, I discovered that I could learn and grow without being the highest achiever. I began to appreciate practical experiences beyond grades and rankings.

Throughout my bachelor’s program, I often reflected on my earlier school days. Comparing those experiences with my university life, I recognized how my previous mindset had been myopic. Holding onto pride and obsession was pointless. This awareness lifted a weight off my shoulders, prompting me to seek closure.

Reconnecting with my friend-rival was a relief. I shared my feelings about our final exam results from years ago and admitted my bitterness instead of celebrating her success. Our bond was unique, and I wanted her to know it would always be valued.

She responded graciously, and we reminisced about our past. That conversation brought me a sense of inner peace. I transformed a negative experience from my past into a positive one. Today, I strive to improve while also respecting and appreciating my peers, recognizing those who excel beyond my achievements.

Ironically, despite my academic success in high school, my most valuable lesson from that period wasn’t about grades. This narrative serves as a tribute to my friend-rival for playing a vital role in my journey of self-discovery.

As the saying goes, we all have two wolves within us: one representing positivity and the other negativity. I am grateful that I chose to nurture the positive wolf, allowing it to prevail.

Here’s a crucial lesson from my experience:

As Abbie Hoffman stated, “Today is the first day of the rest of your life.” If you're seeking a fresh start, don’t hesitate to shed your burdens.

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Chapter 2: Embracing Change

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