07 May 2008 @ 06:32 pm
My school has this programme that allows its students to go overseas and gain exposure in certain areas. So, some of my friends are going to visit Silicon Valley in USA, some are going to stay at farms in Kyushu, Japan, while some others are going to observe the beauty of nature in Adelaide, Australia. Some are even going to China. Where am I going this year?
I’m going to Vietnam. To study the business relationship between Singapore and Vietnam. And also to learn about its history and culture.
I’m not saying it’s not good to go to Vietnam. I mean, of course it’s good. I personally have never been to Vietnam, and I think it’ll be nice to learn about their history, especially during the Vietnam War. (I’m getting interested in politics and history… Must be all the Tom Clancy and Metal Gear Solid I’ve gotten addicted to.)
It’s just that… Australia’s a nicer place… The people are perhaps more friendly… The weather’s not as bad… The food is good… I have friends going… And I have a confirmed placing on this trip. So why shouldn’t I make full use of this? Go to Australia!
I nearly did. I thought that I should be able to enjoy myself. If I went on a trip that I really didn’t like and put myself in mental torture every day, no matter how beneficial the trip was, it would still be a waste of money in the end. So I asked for permission to go to Australia.
My mother asked me if I would be paying for the additional costs, and I said, yeah why not? I was thinking of working in the holidays anyway. But my dad asked me why I wanted to do this. He told me to consider the reason why the school was organizing this programme for the students.
And he was right. I was supposed to learn about new things. And since I have never been to Vietnam, this would be the perfect opportunity for me. If I wanted to enjoy myself all that much, there were still the June and December holidays to play. (And besides, the Vietnam trip was cheaper. This means I can still get my parents to buy me new games. :))
But later he said to me that he wanted me to enjoy myself. If I really wanted to go to Australia, he’d let me go ahead with it. I was touched by the fact that he only wanted me to be happy. This wasn’t about saving money. This was just about what was best for me. Even if I just wanted to have fun, he wouldn’t stop me.
There and then I decided. I would go to Vietnam. Hell, $3500 just to observe nature in a quiet place? I’d rather spend my time learning something new. The food may not be to my taste (I am not such a great fan of vegetables) but it’ll be a new experience. I may not know anyone else going on this trip. I may not be able to find business interesting. But I know I won’t regret anything, because I’ll make the best out of this.
That’s the way I am. And I’m glad I can see things in this light.
Current Location: At home
Current Mood: Good
Current Music: "Je Crois En Toi" by Il Divo and Celine Dion
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