Apologies first since I know I promised to post more after I finished my exams. You're probably thinking they're not terribly sincere since it's now almost the end of August - and you'd be right! I couldn't help myself to some rest and relaxation - what can I say? Plus, I've been enjoying the catch-up sessions with my friends here at home (and looking forward to more)!
Although there's much I could document about my dreadful exams and the last two blissful weeks in Vancouver, I figured I'd put my thoughts to "paper" first. Of course, you'll notice bits and pieces of the past little while intermingled within the rambles - since they did do the triggering! Genuine apologies for anything depressing that follows.
Upon hearing the clock tick by in the last minutes of my last exam, I was naturally overcome with the feeling of freedom. The past 8 months have brought joy in so many ways, but they also heightened the tiredness I've been feeling more and more. Like others in my class, I've slowly had the youthful enthusiasm I brought to university beaten to a pulp. I look forward to graduating, partially because it will signify a major accomplishment and milestone in my life, but increasingly because it is the light at the end of a long tunnel. As I made this comment to one of my friends, they were shocked at the turnaround from my high school days - during which, I would never have suggested the latter reason for my excitement towards graduating. For me now, it will mean freedom. Choice.
Of course, you may view that as youthful optimism. I discovered that point of view as I spoke to recent graduates who are now settled into full-time work. A resounding fact to take home was that work isn't all it's cracked up to be. During co-ops or internships, work is vacation - you don't get taxed, you meet new people, expectations aren't quite as high. Full-time work is mundanely routine, and the benefits you take home are calculated only after the government has taken its share. I'm not saying this was unanimous, but this was the opinion of many.
Thus, I've concluded that the only time I'll enjoy myself is during the time in between studying and working. Cue trip to Europe/Asia!
But what of the aftertrip? Will it just be years of hard work, paying bills, and looking after the previous and next generation? Another observation from the alumni was the lack of goals on the horizon. Besides marriage and family, what else? Seems awfully cookie-cutter and, let's not forget, requires another member of the rat race.
On that note, I've heard of parental pressurings to find a suitable partner from various males in my engineering class. For them, time at home means constant nagging at something which shouldn't be forced. Love should be there, right? Or is it just a matter of finding a person who meets some qualifications? Settling for someone who fits the bill? Does that work long term? Is it worth looking for a fairytale romance while the clock is ticking? Who's to say Cinderella or Prince Charming really exists? Perfection is an ideal - not necessarily reality. Plus, it depends on who you're asking - you'll never get the same definition twice.
This is one of many times that we'll be faced with many tough decisions. Decisions that could alter the course of our life, for better or worse. What to choose? At least we have choice. We just don't have that much time.
Although there's much I could document about my dreadful exams and the last two blissful weeks in Vancouver, I figured I'd put my thoughts to "paper" first. Of course, you'll notice bits and pieces of the past little while intermingled within the rambles - since they did do the triggering! Genuine apologies for anything depressing that follows.
Upon hearing the clock tick by in the last minutes of my last exam, I was naturally overcome with the feeling of freedom. The past 8 months have brought joy in so many ways, but they also heightened the tiredness I've been feeling more and more. Like others in my class, I've slowly had the youthful enthusiasm I brought to university beaten to a pulp. I look forward to graduating, partially because it will signify a major accomplishment and milestone in my life, but increasingly because it is the light at the end of a long tunnel. As I made this comment to one of my friends, they were shocked at the turnaround from my high school days - during which, I would never have suggested the latter reason for my excitement towards graduating. For me now, it will mean freedom. Choice.
Of course, you may view that as youthful optimism. I discovered that point of view as I spoke to recent graduates who are now settled into full-time work. A resounding fact to take home was that work isn't all it's cracked up to be. During co-ops or internships, work is vacation - you don't get taxed, you meet new people, expectations aren't quite as high. Full-time work is mundanely routine, and the benefits you take home are calculated only after the government has taken its share. I'm not saying this was unanimous, but this was the opinion of many.
Thus, I've concluded that the only time I'll enjoy myself is during the time in between studying and working. Cue trip to Europe/Asia!
But what of the aftertrip? Will it just be years of hard work, paying bills, and looking after the previous and next generation? Another observation from the alumni was the lack of goals on the horizon. Besides marriage and family, what else? Seems awfully cookie-cutter and, let's not forget, requires another member of the rat race.
On that note, I've heard of parental pressurings to find a suitable partner from various males in my engineering class. For them, time at home means constant nagging at something which shouldn't be forced. Love should be there, right? Or is it just a matter of finding a person who meets some qualifications? Settling for someone who fits the bill? Does that work long term? Is it worth looking for a fairytale romance while the clock is ticking? Who's to say Cinderella or Prince Charming really exists? Perfection is an ideal - not necessarily reality. Plus, it depends on who you're asking - you'll never get the same definition twice.
This is one of many times that we'll be faced with many tough decisions. Decisions that could alter the course of our life, for better or worse. What to choose? At least we have choice. We just don't have that much time.
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