Paving your own path.

I’ve just read a reflection essay written by one of the Senpais I encountered in Beijing. He was reflecting on his university life here in Waseda. His main points were that going to Waseda was good in that he was able to go abroad easily, be immersed in hobbies, and had time to work part-time. However, he didn’t like Waseda because at the end of all this he didn’t feel the sense of achievement and he couldn’t meet people he felt could have a meaningful talk with.

First, I would like to say that I completely agree with him in that students in Waseda don’t take education seriously and they focus more on having a great time than learning. I used to really hate this university and its people for being so nonchalant.

But, recently I have changed my mind. It’s up to you to pave the life you want. Not having a sense of achievement is due to your own lack of action -you did not try. We should really stop expecting other people to lead you. The expectation is extremely dangerous as it leads to immense dissatisfaction when it’s not met. If you wanted to achieve something, you could if you try hard enough, even in this shithole of a place. You were too lazy to explore and try to forge meaning in this place.

Initially, I didn’t know what I wanted to do either -but I believe Waseda gave me the opportunity to explore a lot of things. Through interaction with many exchange students from Asia, I found my passion there. And I took actions -I joined two circles, changed seminars, and befriended many Asian students.

I felt that he was brought up in a protected environment, and has had a relatively easy life. Of course, I don’t know what he’s been through. But, as a depression survivor who was hospitalized for a month after enduring a year of insufferable skin condition, and as a child constantly being degraded by her family, what he’s saying is just 甘え. You could do anything you want. Stop complaining and get on with it.

If you have something you want to do, then what other people are doing or saying should be insignificant. And in the sea of those seemingly stupid people are thousands of interesting stories. Even the most seemingly dull and boring person has something to tell. I felt as though he was looking down on those people instead of trying to get to know them more. If you feel like there aren’t people who understand you, go out there and find those who understand. There is just simply no time to complain. Life’s short.

I have painstakingly learned that you are the only person you can trust, and you are the only person who can believe in yourself. You have to pave your own path without relying on anyone. Nobody can do that for you.

You have to be strong enough to have yourself no matter what others say. Of course, you should take constructive criticism, but never let it sway you.

Don’t give a shit about people who don’t care about you. It’s a waste of time and you should move on caring for someone else who cares.