Something I Have Learned Along the Way - Minori Sato

    







Picture at Potato Chip Rock, California - I joined exchange program in winter, 2020



Since I was only three years old,  my parents have expected me too much.  As they regret being lazy while they were young and wanted me to get a good education, they sent me to a private school. Even after I entered junior high school, they encouraged me to get high scores. I didn't really like studying, but high scores made me satisfied and improve my self-esteem.

    By the way, I have a teacher who changed drastically my view. He is a teacher at the cram school and only ten years older than I, but I really liked his classes and his thoughts. Before I met him, I escaped from studying English and couldn't understand why I have to learn English as Japanese. However, he taught me its essence and enjoyment and showed me the world I didn't know.  I came to realize that studying is purely pleasant and exciting. 

    As the entrance examinations approached, my mother told me to get a pharmacist qualification to easily return to the work after maternity leave. For the first time in my life, I felt somewhat weird. I wondered why I was forced to live up to their expectations instead of working for what I want to do. 

    In November, just before the entrance examination, I finally decided not to go to the faculty of pharmacy but chose the University of Tokyo. I had little time to prepare, but I made an effort more than ever.


    I passed the exam and now I enjoy college life and make use of the chances a lot. I had never anticipated that the pandemic prevented me from experiencing new things, but that said I thank the opportunities and wonderful people very much. If I had yielded to my parents, I would definitely regret the choice and wouldn't want to be a pharmacist now.

    In future choices, I might not make up my mind and be easily affected by others' opinions. However, I try to be honest with my feelings or emotions and imagine what I want to do in the field. 

Comments

  1. moanaMarch 17, 2022 at 7:17 PM

    I know how you feel. It won't continue to study something compulsory without joy. It was great for you that your teacher at the cram school taught you how interesting studying is:)

    ReplyDelete
  2. David WoodfieldMarch 17, 2022 at 7:19 PM

    Interesting story, Minori. Yes ultimately you have to choose your way because this is your life. Your story reminds me a little of my daughter's. Her mother encouraged her to study law at the undergraduate level, but she preferred German language and English linguistics. In the end she chose to do a postgraduate degree in speech therapy and she has recently started her first job in this field, and happily is enjoying it. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Kenta NishidaMarch 17, 2022 at 7:28 PM

    My mother forced me to play the piano because she was a pianist. I was not so interested in the piano, but I had to practice everyday. Finally, when I became11years old, I decided to quit. My mother seems quite disappointed at my decision, and I felt guilty about it. It is very difficult to balance what I want to do and expectations from my parents, I think.

    ReplyDelete
  4. YUE XUMarch 17, 2022 at 7:44 PM

    I am glad to see you choose your decision by yourself! Hope you keep being honest with your feelins and enjoying your life!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hiroyuki UtsumiMarch 17, 2022 at 7:48 PM

    I think it was great to choose for yourself which way to take at a crossroads of the life. As for studying, I had the same feelings. It was quite a impressive experience to realize what a splendid meaning studying itself has.

    ReplyDelete

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