I want to be SUCCESSFUL!
“Success, success, success.” Whatever I do is driven by success. To achieve success, I have a “grand plan”. First, excel in my studies at high school, to land myself a place at a top Asian university. With that as a stepping stone, I will later further my studies in a top US university (hopefully Harvard). Then, I am bound to be successful! Bravo, nice plan! That is what I visualize.
My “Grand Plan”
However, while I am still in the midst of pursuing this plan, I question myself. Why am I dying of entering Harvard? Because it is the world number one university? I nodded to myself. However, while the glamor is gratifying (who would not want such esteemed title?), I prefer something substantial - the purpose, the value. In my “grand plan”, Harvard is an indispensable component in my route to success. In my mind, the underlying purpose of entering Harvard was to equip myself with the most advanced education and to gain network for my future success. Best education and a great connection for a better future - sounds good.
I Should Not Have Attended College?!
The motivation to turning this picture into reality had been propelling me to do whatever things that would bring me closer to it. Then, there is this one guy - James Altucher - popping into my horizons and shattered my “grand plan”. The fourth LinkedIn Influencer, just behind Bill Gates, Richard Branson and Mohamed El-Erian (Chief Economic Advisor of Allianz), is an advocate of unorthodox viewpoints that include going to college is not the wisest thing to do. Instead, he recommended starting a business, traveling, writing a book and so on. The related article and video can be viewed here:
Video (5 minutes): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tU7GkMOjcZE
Article (4-minute read): http://www.jamesaltucher.com/2011/01/8-alternatives-to-college/
Really?
Initially, I smiled when I saw this. Then, I burst into a laughter after watching the video because I found James’ arguments really convincing, they are no nonsense! Never before had I heard such compelling arguments against college education. While his suggestions are a bit too radical for me to follow altogether (since he makes these suggestions from an American’s perspective), I attempted to extract the values of his advice and assimilate them into my life. And, share with you my two cents:
The Drive to Learn is Key
The underpinning rationale for his suggestion is to do things that cultivate the drive to learn and gain lessons that really matter in the real world. For instance, I am interested in writing, so I should go help out at a publishing firm. This would enable me to have a taste of what a writing-related career is like, to help me confirm my interest, to find out the pieces I lack to complete the picture of my dream. Such experience makes a boost for me to pursue knowledge in class. It would make me more proactive in equipping myself with the knowledge I lack. Then, I could better exploit the resources I have in university (especially the professor, I believe you have an estimate of how much we pay them...).
Traveling is a good investment
Another thing James stresses is the disconnection between the knowledge transferred in classrooms and the knowledge needed in the real world. Note that he is saying as a Cornell and Carnegie Mellon graduate. Traveling is one ideal source of knowledge needed in the real world, according to James. This is a point that resonates with me, drawing from my traveling experience. Early 2014, I was in New Zealand on a 3.5-month working holiday trip (which is about a semester long). These are what I learnt from the trip:
1. Deeper self-awareness
Being in a totally foreign environment abroad, I had the chance to rid all the shackles (such as societal norms and peer pressure) and just be myself, or even “reinvent” myself.
I learnt that I have a “philosopher” thinking hat - I love chatting over life questions (like “how do you define success”, “what principles do you hold onto in life” or “what drives to make such life decision”) and that I like writing. I shared my experiences with my friends throughout the trip and experienced a sense of fulfilment from the sharing. These are hints that I may be cut out for liberal arts (which is what I am studying now).
Being in a different place also means exposing myself to things I have not seen before, which redefines my perception of “the norm” that may have restricted my authentic self and full potential, and blinded me from a whole new world of possibilities.
2. Everyone has something for me to learn
At my lodgings and tourist sites, I had the chance to interact with people of different age groups, education backgrounds, areas of expertise, passions and cultures.
From their stories, I gained invaluable insights about my future. For instance, from a Korean lady who was a top student in an elite high school and university, but ended up apathetic about life (thus wandering here and there, and unfortunately picked up binge drinking and smoking), I learnt that university education does not automatically lead to a good life - something more is needed.
3. How to behave myself
Observing the people around me is like perusing through a cooking recipe. When I find someone appeals to me, I would figure out the “recipe” behind it.
For a Canadian backpackers hostel owner, it was because of his reassuring “no worries” slang; for a Taiwanese lady, it was for her caring attitude - she often baked or bought some pastries for the people around her; for a German lady, it was for their art of listening - listening with full intent, not just to reply.
4. Dealing with uncertainties
I needed to look for a job, a place to stay and travel mates.
Weather is both a traveler’s friend or foe; a traveler will need to learn to be grateful when times are good and embrace the difficult times: such mentality is useful in navigating through uncertainties in life.
5. Experience the power of nature
A land of jaw-dropping natural landscapes, the abundant greeneries allowed me to experience the calming effect nature brings, which is unparalleled by technologies.
I realize that there are so many things out there that could afford me sustainable pleasure, for free.
Unplugging from the technologies and engaging in reverie have become my favorite rituals, for the tonic experience.
6. Dealing with not-so-friendly supervisor
Due to my lack of experience, my sub-par performance at an apple-packing house drew some harsh words from my supervisor.
I needed to learn how to manage my emotion - I could not let my emotion affect my work performance.
7. Dealing with post-travel blue
The blue stings and only those who have traveled for an extended period could comprehend it.
In the few weeks upon journey home, I had a hard time coping with the feeling of being dumped; I made many friends during the trip, but all of a sudden, they seemed to disappear once I got back to where I belong.
Does it mean I should not have had immersed myself in the experiences of traveling? But then, what is the purpose of traveling?
This taught me that there is always a price to pay when I gain something; also, surmounting this blue turned out to be a warm-up for me cope with the grief of having my crushes not reciprocating my fondness later in life.
Above all are the lessons acquired in a semester-long period, the fee? About RM 1,000, for the air fares. Yes, because I worked for two months at an apple pack house before traveling for a month. So, my income was able to cover the traveling expenses.
I Beg Your Pardon, Professor
Looking back at my university education, I had my first two years of study at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) – an Asia top five university - where a semester costs HKD 35,000 (approximately RM 20,000). To be honest (and sorry, my professors), actually I have forgotten a big chunk of the textbook knowledge that is priced at RM 20,000 per semester.
University Is Still of Value
Then, what is the point of getting into a good university? There is a point, actually. It is about the people and the opportunities. “The bigger the dream, the more important the team” - Robin Sharma. The bright minds in Harvard who had inspired and supported Mark Zuckerberg are an undeniable component to his phenomenal success. Plus, to some extent, his association with Harvard has earned him free publicity.
Boiling Down to ONE point
Still, it is not about the textbook knowledge (a.k.a. GPA). So, here comes my conclusion. Learning should be a goal, not a tool. In other words, I should make myself wanting to learn because I am driven to do so, not solely for the sake of a decent GPA. While attending a university where I can access great people and opportunities, delving into the real world (via traveling, writing, venturing into business or working with a charity) to nurture my curiosity about the world and in turn trigger my hunger for knowledge would be the best education option for me. Harvard? Not so obsessed anymore.
“Success, success, success.” Whatever I do is driven by success. To achieve success, I have a “grand plan”. First, excel in my studies at high school, to land myself a place at a top Asian university. With that as a stepping stone, I will later further my studies in a top US university (hopefully Harvard). Then, I am bound to be successful! Bravo, nice plan! That is what I visualize.
My “Grand Plan”
However, while I am still in the midst of pursuing this plan, I question myself. Why am I dying of entering Harvard? Because it is the world number one university? I nodded to myself. However, while the glamor is gratifying (who would not want such esteemed title?), I prefer something substantial - the purpose, the value. In my “grand plan”, Harvard is an indispensable component in my route to success. In my mind, the underlying purpose of entering Harvard was to equip myself with the most advanced education and to gain network for my future success. Best education and a great connection for a better future - sounds good.
I Should Not Have Attended College?!
The motivation to turning this picture into reality had been propelling me to do whatever things that would bring me closer to it. Then, there is this one guy - James Altucher - popping into my horizons and shattered my “grand plan”. The fourth LinkedIn Influencer, just behind Bill Gates, Richard Branson and Mohamed El-Erian (Chief Economic Advisor of Allianz), is an advocate of unorthodox viewpoints that include going to college is not the wisest thing to do. Instead, he recommended starting a business, traveling, writing a book and so on. The related article and video can be viewed here:
Video (5 minutes): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tU7GkMOjcZE
Article (4-minute read): http://www.jamesaltucher.com/2011/01/8-alternatives-to-college/
Really?
Initially, I smiled when I saw this. Then, I burst into a laughter after watching the video because I found James’ arguments really convincing, they are no nonsense! Never before had I heard such compelling arguments against college education. While his suggestions are a bit too radical for me to follow altogether (since he makes these suggestions from an American’s perspective), I attempted to extract the values of his advice and assimilate them into my life. And, share with you my two cents:
The Drive to Learn is Key
The underpinning rationale for his suggestion is to do things that cultivate the drive to learn and gain lessons that really matter in the real world. For instance, I am interested in writing, so I should go help out at a publishing firm. This would enable me to have a taste of what a writing-related career is like, to help me confirm my interest, to find out the pieces I lack to complete the picture of my dream. Such experience makes a boost for me to pursue knowledge in class. It would make me more proactive in equipping myself with the knowledge I lack. Then, I could better exploit the resources I have in university (especially the professor, I believe you have an estimate of how much we pay them...).
Traveling is a good investment
Another thing James stresses is the disconnection between the knowledge transferred in classrooms and the knowledge needed in the real world. Note that he is saying as a Cornell and Carnegie Mellon graduate. Traveling is one ideal source of knowledge needed in the real world, according to James. This is a point that resonates with me, drawing from my traveling experience. Early 2014, I was in New Zealand on a 3.5-month working holiday trip (which is about a semester long). These are what I learnt from the trip:
1. Deeper self-awareness
Being in a totally foreign environment abroad, I had the chance to rid all the shackles (such as societal norms and peer pressure) and just be myself, or even “reinvent” myself.
I learnt that I have a “philosopher” thinking hat - I love chatting over life questions (like “how do you define success”, “what principles do you hold onto in life” or “what drives to make such life decision”) and that I like writing. I shared my experiences with my friends throughout the trip and experienced a sense of fulfilment from the sharing. These are hints that I may be cut out for liberal arts (which is what I am studying now).
Being in a different place also means exposing myself to things I have not seen before, which redefines my perception of “the norm” that may have restricted my authentic self and full potential, and blinded me from a whole new world of possibilities.
2. Everyone has something for me to learn
At my lodgings and tourist sites, I had the chance to interact with people of different age groups, education backgrounds, areas of expertise, passions and cultures.
From their stories, I gained invaluable insights about my future. For instance, from a Korean lady who was a top student in an elite high school and university, but ended up apathetic about life (thus wandering here and there, and unfortunately picked up binge drinking and smoking), I learnt that university education does not automatically lead to a good life - something more is needed.
3. How to behave myself
Observing the people around me is like perusing through a cooking recipe. When I find someone appeals to me, I would figure out the “recipe” behind it.
For a Canadian backpackers hostel owner, it was because of his reassuring “no worries” slang; for a Taiwanese lady, it was for her caring attitude - she often baked or bought some pastries for the people around her; for a German lady, it was for their art of listening - listening with full intent, not just to reply.
4. Dealing with uncertainties
I needed to look for a job, a place to stay and travel mates.
Weather is both a traveler’s friend or foe; a traveler will need to learn to be grateful when times are good and embrace the difficult times: such mentality is useful in navigating through uncertainties in life.
5. Experience the power of nature
A land of jaw-dropping natural landscapes, the abundant greeneries allowed me to experience the calming effect nature brings, which is unparalleled by technologies.
I realize that there are so many things out there that could afford me sustainable pleasure, for free.
Unplugging from the technologies and engaging in reverie have become my favorite rituals, for the tonic experience.
6. Dealing with not-so-friendly supervisor
Due to my lack of experience, my sub-par performance at an apple-packing house drew some harsh words from my supervisor.
I needed to learn how to manage my emotion - I could not let my emotion affect my work performance.
7. Dealing with post-travel blue
The blue stings and only those who have traveled for an extended period could comprehend it.
In the few weeks upon journey home, I had a hard time coping with the feeling of being dumped; I made many friends during the trip, but all of a sudden, they seemed to disappear once I got back to where I belong.
Does it mean I should not have had immersed myself in the experiences of traveling? But then, what is the purpose of traveling?
This taught me that there is always a price to pay when I gain something; also, surmounting this blue turned out to be a warm-up for me cope with the grief of having my crushes not reciprocating my fondness later in life.
Above all are the lessons acquired in a semester-long period, the fee? About RM 1,000, for the air fares. Yes, because I worked for two months at an apple pack house before traveling for a month. So, my income was able to cover the traveling expenses.
I Beg Your Pardon, Professor
Looking back at my university education, I had my first two years of study at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) – an Asia top five university - where a semester costs HKD 35,000 (approximately RM 20,000). To be honest (and sorry, my professors), actually I have forgotten a big chunk of the textbook knowledge that is priced at RM 20,000 per semester.
University Is Still of Value
Then, what is the point of getting into a good university? There is a point, actually. It is about the people and the opportunities. “The bigger the dream, the more important the team” - Robin Sharma. The bright minds in Harvard who had inspired and supported Mark Zuckerberg are an undeniable component to his phenomenal success. Plus, to some extent, his association with Harvard has earned him free publicity.
Boiling Down to ONE point
Still, it is not about the textbook knowledge (a.k.a. GPA). So, here comes my conclusion. Learning should be a goal, not a tool. In other words, I should make myself wanting to learn because I am driven to do so, not solely for the sake of a decent GPA. While attending a university where I can access great people and opportunities, delving into the real world (via traveling, writing, venturing into business or working with a charity) to nurture my curiosity about the world and in turn trigger my hunger for knowledge would be the best education option for me. Harvard? Not so obsessed anymore.