Jasper Huang G10 For the first nine years of my schooling, I was often told to sit tight in the classroom and learn from textbooks. “Be a good student, and that’s your obligation now,” the teachers said. The vast world seemed irrelevant, and my world was within the confines of my desks in the classroom and my study, where piles of books, homework, and test papers were scattered. I listened to my teachers, completed my endless homework, and sometimes gazed out of the window, feeling exhausted. A change occurred in my junior high school years, proving to be a blessing in disguise. I left the public school, the common choice for most Chinese students, and started a new journey at an international school. This decision appeared unconventional, and many of my previous teachers cautioned me against it. I found myself torn between decisions. “Just give it a try, and perhaps it suits you better,” my parents suggested. I was quite apprehensive when I first joined the international school at 16. However, curiosity and a sense of novelty filled me, as everything differed from my previous school environment. I took part in various activities and tried my best at all subjects. My energy seemed inexhaustible. I had a fulfilling experience. Summer vacation arrived with the blooming of honeysuckles, with a notable change. I didn’t take tutorial sessions to study ahead for the next semester. This freedom allowed me to travel and have fun. During my first visit to the United States, I immersed myself in the local culture, walking along the Boston Freedom Trail and delving into the nation’s history. I paid tribute at memorials of famous people, drawing inspiration from their life stories. A visit to the 9/11 Memorial Museum taught me the values of peace and tolerance, especially towards those who differ from us. As the sun began to set, painting a pinkish hue on the horizon, I strolled in the cool breeze, thinking about my life. The world resembles a vast wilderness; we should muster our courage and embrace the immense opportunities that lie ahead. | 