Kipling said:“East is east, and west is west, and never the twain shall meet!” But now, a century later, they have met.
They have met in business. They have met in education. They have met in the arts. Some people will argue that these meetings will leave us with a choice between east and west, but I believe that the best future lies in the creative combination of both worlds. We can make western ideas, customs and technology our own, and adapt them to our own use. We can enjoy the best of both worlds, because our tradition is, above all, one of selecting the best and making it our own.
I love Beijing and Hennan opera because it always reminds me of who I am. But I am also a fan of pop music, especially English songs. So I have combined eastern melody with western language. It is called western henna opera.
When two cultures meet, there may be things in one culture, which do not fit into the tradition of the other. When this happens, we need to learn to understand and respect the customs of another culture. Then there are certain things some people may not like. To this, I will say, if you do not like it, please try to tolerate it. To learn to tolerate what you personally don’t like is a great virtue at a time when different cultures mix and merge. Before us, there are two rivers, eastern and western cultures. At present, they may run in different courses. But eventually, they will converge into the vast sea of human culture.
Right now, I can see peoples of eastern and western cultures, standing side by side, singing the Olympic theme song: we are hand in hand, heart to heart, together we will shape a beautiful tomorrow! Thank you!
Who was the most well-known figure in China last month? It’s Ma JiaJue—the college student who murdered 4 of his roommates. Many people attributed his crime to his poverty and deficient education. In my opinion, his crime also has much to do with his classmates’ indifference.
Indifference is a terrible disease in today’s colleges and the whole society. It’s not rare that two students who have studied together for 4 years have never spoken to each other. It’s not rare that a student who has been absent from class for several days is not noticed at all. It’s also not rare that a student who has severe psychological problems is not cared about at all.
Some people may say ‘What the students with psychological problems like Ma JiaJue need is not care but psychotherapy.” However, when people are ill, what they need most is not only medical treatment, but also care from people around them. Every smile and every caring word will bring sunshine to their life.
I once heard one of my roommates who was an introverted girl sobbing at mid-night. Being afraid of disturbing her, I sent a text message to comfort her. The next day, she told me that she was crying for not being invited to one of her friend’s birthday party. She thought she was neglected by others. But my message was really comforting which told her someone still cared about her.
What can we do to prevent the tragedy of Ma JiaJue from happening again? Some people may say ‘Let’s open more psychological courses in schools.’ and other people may say ‘Let’s donate more money for the poor students.’ But I’ll say “My fellow student, let’s give more love and care to our roommates, our classmates and every person around us!”
Dear teacher and classmates:
I am very glad to make a speech here in this class again! This time, I'd liketo talk something about English.
I love English. English language is now used everywhere in the world. It hasbecome the most common language on Internet and for international trade.Learning English makes me confident and brings me great pleasure.
When I was seven, my mother sent me to an English school. At there, I playedgames and sang English songs with other children . Then I discovered the beautyof the language, and began my colorful dream in the English world.
Everyday, I read English following the tapes. Sometimes, I watch Englishcartoons.
On the weekend, I often go to the English corner. By talking with differentpeople there, I have made more and more friends as well as improved my oralEnglish.
I hope I can travel around the world someday. I want to go to America tovisit Washington Monument, because the president Washington is my idol. Ofcourse, I want to go to London too, because England is where English languagedeveloped. If I can ride my bike in Cambridge university, I will be veryhappy.
I hope I can speak English with everyone in the world. I'll introduce Chinato them, such as the Great Wall, the Forbidden City and Anshan. I know, Rome wasnot built in a day. I believe that after continuous hard study, one day I canspeak English very well.
If you want to be loved, you should learn to love and be lovable. So Ibelieve as I love English everyday , it will love me too.
good evening, my fellow americans.
tonight i want to talk to you on a subject of deep concern to all americansand to many people in all parts of the world, the war in vietnam.
i believe that one of the reasons for the deep division about vietnam isthat many americans have lost confidence in what their government has told themabout our policy.
the american people cannot and should not be asked to support a policywhich involves the overriding issues of war and peace unless they know the truthabout that policy.tonight, therefore, i would like to answer some of thequestions that i know are on the minds of many of you listening to me.how andwhy did america get involved in vietnam in the first place?how has thisadministration changed the policy of the previous administration?what has reallyhappened in the negotiations in paris and the battlefront in vietnam?whatchoices do we have if we are to end the war?what are the prospects for peace?now let me begin by describing the situation i found when i was inaugurated onjan.
20th: the war had been going on for four years.
thirty-one thousand americans had been killed in action.
the training program for the south vietnamese was behind schedule.
five hundred forty-thousand americans were in vietnam with no plans toreduce the number.
no progress had been made at the negotiations in paris and the unitedstates had not put forth a comprehensive peace proposal.the war was causing deepdivision at home and criticism from many of our friend, as well as our enemies,abroad.in view of these circumstances, there were some who urged withdrawal ofall american forces.
from a political standpoint, this would have been a popular and easy courseto follow.
after all, we became involved in the war while my predecessor was inoffice.
i could blame the defeat, which would be the result of my action, on him --and come out as the peacemaker.
some put it to me quite bluntly: this was the only way to avoid allowingjohnson’s war to become nixon’s war.but i had a greater obligation than to thinkonly of the years of my administration, and of the next election.
i had to think of the effect of my decision on the next generation, and onthe future of peace and freedom in america, and in the world.let us allunderstand that the question before us is not whether some americans are forpeace and some americans are against peace.
the question at issue is not whether johnson’s war becomes nixon’s war.
thank you!
I believe in our future
Honorable Judges, fellow students:
Good afternoon!
Recently, ther is a heated debate in our society. The college students are the beneficiaries of a rare privilege, who receive exceptional education at extraordinary places. But will we be able to face the challenge and support ourselves against all odds? Will we be able to better the lives of others? Will we be able to accept the responsibility of building the future of our country?
The cynics say the college students are the pampered lost generation, which would cringe at the slightest discomfort. But the cynics are wrong. The college students I see are eagerly learning about how to live independently. We help each other clean the dormitory, go shopping and bargain together, and take part time jobs to supplement our pocket money.
The cynics say we care for nothing other than grades; and we neglect the need for character cultivation. But again, the cynics are wrong. We care deeply for each other, we cherish freedom, we treasure justice, and we seek truth. Last week, thousands of my fellow students had their blood type tested in order to make a contribution for the children who suffer from blood cancer.
As college students, we are adolescents at the critical turning point in our lives. We all face a fundamental choice: cynicism or faith, each will profoundly impact our future, or even the future of our country. I believe in all my fellow classmates. Though we are still inexperienced and even a little bit childish. I believe that we have the courage and faith to meet any challenge and take on our responsibilities. We are preparing to assume new responsibilities and tasks, and to use the education we have received to make our world a better place. I believe in our future.
我对未来充满信心
尊敬的评委，各位同学：
下午好!
最近，社会上有一场很激烈的争论。大学生是一种稀有特权的享有者，在很棒的地方接受高等教育。但是，我们能面对挑战而无所畏惧吗?我们能够改善他人的生活吗?我们能够承担建设祖国未来的重任吗?
怀疑论者说大学生是被宠坏的一代，一丁点挫折都受不了。但是他们错了，我所看到的大学生正在努力的学习独立生活。我们互相帮助打扫卫生，一起上街砍价购物，一起参加兼职工作来赚零花钱。
怀疑论者说我们除了成绩什么都不关心，从而忽略了性格的培养。但是，他们又错了。我们彼此关心，我们向往自由，我们珍惜公正，我们追求真理。上个星期，很多我的同学去验血，为了给患血癌的孩子贡献自己的力量。
作为大学生，我们是处在人生分水岭的青年。我们都面临一个重要的选择：怀疑人生还是相信自己，每一种都会给我们的人生带来重大的影响，甚至影响我们祖国的未来。我相信我们的同学们，虽然我们依然缺乏经验，甚至有些志气，但是我相信我们有勇气和自信来面对生活的挑战并承担我们的责任。我们正努力准备接受新的任务，用我们所学习的知识将世界变得更美好。我对我们的未来充满信心。
I have been in University for about one year. During my stay here, I came to realize that university life is like drinking coke. We experience all tastes of life here, sour, sweet, bitter and hot.
I am from Province, which is far away from here. I often miss my Mum, friends, and relatives in my hometown. However, I can't see them very often. So loneliness always keeps me company. I am sad that I can't be there with them.
Lucky for me, life in university is rich and colorful. With more free time,we can do many more things besides study, such as joining
societies clubs, and taking part-time jobs. Such activities not only make our life more colorful, but also help us improve all kinds of skills. The university is a society miniature, what we learn here will benefit our future life.
Our path in life will not always be smooth. Setbacks can't be avoided. Failing an important exam, break up with boy or girl friend, or refused by a promising company, such setbacks are likely to get us down. Sometimes we fell so frustrated that we even burst into tears. Drinkin coke is wonderful, despite the undesirble consequent hiccups. It's bitter, sour and peppery, but also sweet. And you'll even feel excited after gulping down a glass. A college experience is part of growing up. We cry, smile, fall in love, get hurt, leave, learn and then we become a better person.
University life is like drinking coke. I'm experiencing it. And I know, I enjoy it!
我一直在大学呆了一年多。我儿时,我才意识到大学生活就像喝可乐。的生活经历口味、酸、甜、苦、辣。
我从省,离这儿很远。我常常想念妈妈的亲戚、朋友,在我的家乡。然而,我经常见到。那么孤独总是会陪伴我。我很难过,我无法和在一起。 幸运的是,我在大学生活是多彩的。有更多的闲暇,可以做更多的事情除了学习,如加入社团俱乐部,打工。的活动,使的生活多彩,而且还能帮助改进各样的技能。大学是社会,里学到的微缩有利于今后的生活。
的人生之路不会一帆风顺。挫折是无法的。失败的的考试,跟男孩女孩的朋友,或者拒绝由有前途的公司,会让的挫折。有时候,觉得很沮丧,甚至大哭起来。
喝可乐是美妙的,undesirble随之打嗝。这是苦的,酸和暴躁,而且甜。你甚至可以感觉到激动下一杯。全身后,大学的经验是成长的一。哭泣,微笑着,坠入爱河,受伤,离开,学习,然后做的人。
大学生活就像喝可乐。我的感受。我知道,我喜欢它!
We are going to celebrate the 60th anniversary of our motheland.Being a student in China,I feel very happy and proud.With the teachers' and parents' help ,we make great progress every day.We are growing up together with our motherland.With our knowledge and ability, I am sure we will do great contribution to the country.Thank to the motherland,we are going to be stronger and stronger.The future for us must be bright and hopeful.Let's try hard for ourselves,and for our motherland as well.
I hope a kid, hope full eyes jade-green grass, free of mind and happy of heart in the heart, also from had a regrets.Regardless nature of the boon grant still mankind of creation, nature give we abundant of imagination and infinite pure and endless Xia think, although they be small but solidify one heart, they mutually hold to hug to each other, under the nourish of the earth, full exertive solidify one coagulate of heart dint, also give nature one Wen Run4 of green space.
Year by year, the spring return to the earth again, it may be said"the prairie fire burn not to exert, the spring breeze blow and living", grass with it special stubborn, walk through the four seasons.Although it have no floriferous fragrance, take light nice and secluded;Although it don't have Gao Da4 of tree, seem to be so of insignificant, it be not small but shame, it optimism upward, creator green of vast one, it don't account repay useful green display whole of the earth.
The lovely grass, I appreciate you, you are to use you of of offer, use you of time change oneself of new looks, also change people's viewpoint to you.Although sometimes blow to kiss in the bise bottom, you would be tinily low to fall a head, however you just trembled to fall the dust of body, face strongly, the Ao sign a ground of outstanding on the mud.
You don't have too many Diao decoration and have no clamor of city and car bearer to of prosperous, but have ground smile to face a kid especially, face what you face each have life of person, passion life, life medium of people also love grass of smile, because have you in the life of open-minded state of mind and optimism of attitude, there is also bright and beautiful sunlight.Although sometimes perhaps would be continuous to rain, brought the grass of light green excessive of bother, moist with accumulate water, total have sunlight of reappear.The spring breeze doesn't smell soil, the grass had again thriving of source of vitality, grass at morning of the morning Lou once more let us suck to absorb and make our moods receive benefit to dulcify with joys quick.
The grass of , love of offer, make nothing exciting of life become Chong Ying;Grass, the big-hearted state of mind relax, it didn't need to be cover up, is a contented fully enjoy body interest;Grass, because of love but the United States, it be some and a little more careless to love to tolerate, rational, but touched the person's in the mind.
The burst of light breeze is blow and the children's joys voice joke awakenned my thoughts and feelings.In awakely and the dim moonlight, originally the person's life not is also such as grass similar infinitesimal, but it use original of gentleness, affecting characteristic, like gaudiness of grass of flexible jade-green.The grain of life, give hope, grateful, taste, vitality, although sometimes very tired, own life of aureole happiness to end.
life is composed of complex things and emotions, but sometimes a good lifeattitude can change a lot, showing a different world for everyone. we all knowthat taking the college entrance examination is one of the most important thingsfor a person’s whole life. of course, high school students will under greatpressure. so, how to treat it properly before and after the exam is veryimportant. my opinions are as following.
生活有各种复杂的事情以及情感构造而成，然而有时候良好的生活态度可以有很大的改变，为我们展示了一个不一样的世界。众所周知参加高考是每个人一生中最重要的事情之一。当然，高中生肯定得承受很大的压力。所以，如何在考前以及考后看待这个考试是很重要的。我的观点如下。
first of all, keeping a good life attitude is helpful for college entranceexam. as everyone regards it as so important and students themselves also put somuch effort on it, they are surely stressful when it is coming. some cannot fallasleep, some cannot think, and some cannot memorize things well because they aretoo nervous. as a result, they may not perform well in the exam. however, ifthey can keep a usual mind, they maybe at their best to get a good mark.
首先，保持良好的生活态度有助于高考。因为每个人都把高考看得那么重要，而且学生本身也为此付出了很大努力，当高考即将来临时他们肯定会压力山大。由于过于紧张，有人会失眠，有人会脑子一片空白，还有人会记不住知识。所以，他们在考试中可能会表现失常。但是，如果他们可以保持良好的生活态度，他们就有可能处他们的状态，从而取得好成绩。
in addition, after the high school entrance examination, keeping a goodlift attitude is very important. having experienced so stressful study for along time, some students start to indulge themselves. some may be very lazy andsome may do some crazy things to relax. however, it turns out that theirbehavior will ruin themselves at last. if they have a good life attitude, theywould relax themselves in a proper way not excessive.
而且，高考之后保持良好的心态也是很重要的。在长期经历高压学习后，有些学生会开始堕落。有些可能会很懒，或者做一些疯狂的事来放松自我。然而，他们的这些行为最终有可能会毁了他们。如果他们能保持良好的生活态度，他们就会正确的放松而不是过度。
in a word, keeping a good life attitude is significant and helpful ineveryone’s whole life.
总之，保持良好的生活态度在每个人的一生中都是很重要，也是很有帮助的。
it is said that the symbol of an excellent university is not mersured byunique architecture but by the number of masters it owns.however,for my part,aharmonious atmosphere is an essential factor:because her reputation is formedboth by knowledge of the masters and creativity of the students.but what iscalled harmony on college campus?
in my opinion,a harmonious campus is firstly an academic campus where thestudents are eager to learn ,the professors are dilligent to do researches andinstruct knowledges.of course,a dense cultural atmosphere can be verybenificial.
secondly,the relationship among teachers and students is harmonious.formerhigh school teachers were tough with us while our college instructors are verybenign and friendly.besides learning from them,we can also consult them aboutdaily trouble and matters we confront.with their help,we open our minds to newappraoches and enlarge our insight.
thirdly,a harmonious relationship among schoolmates can be helpful as well.each student should not only show their individuality but slao display theirunity.for instance,when studying in the library,we'r supposed to keep quiet inorder not to disturb others.when we'r finishd with our meals,we should clean upthe tables. also a close relation amid roomates can make us feel home.esp. inchina ,six or four students come from different parts with different dailyhabits have to share the same dorm.so it is crucial to build a harmoniousdormitory by keeping/setting up the same routine schedual.
lastly,harmonious atmosphere is not something imposed on us but somethingwe need to cultivate,which will definitely bring more vitality to thecampus.
all in all, actions speak louder than words.we must make endeavors torefresh the atmosphere and each positive effort will increase the harmony oncampus.a harmonious campus is a cradle where we become social andknowledgeable.thereby, it is remained for us to create such a harmoniouscampus.thus we can feel warm,inspiring and live merrily in harmony.
Honorablejudges，ladiesandgentlemen,
Goodevening，
I’mveryhonoredtostandhereandgiveyouashortspeech!Ihopeyouwilllikeit.
FirstIwanttoaskyousomequestions:
1、Doyouknowwhatisyouth?
2、Howdoyoumasteryouryouth?
Everyonehashisownunderstandingofyoung.InWikipedia,youthisthetimeoflifewhenoneisyoung,butoftenmeansthetimebetweenchildhoodandadulthood(maturity).Itisalsodefinedas"theappearance,freshness,vigor,spirit,etc.,characteristicofonewhoisyoung".Itsdefinitionsofaspecificagerangevaries,asyouthisnotdefinedchronologicallyasastagethatcanbetiedtospecificageranges;norcanitsendpointbelinkedtospecificactivities,suchastakingunpaidworkorhavingsexualrelationswithoutconsent.
Inmyopinion,Youthisnotonlyacertaintimeofyourlife;alsoitistheshapeofyourmind.Itisnotonlybrighteyes,sweetsmiles,nicevoices,supplebodies,butalsoitisthewaythatyouthinkandact.
Youthisalivelytopic,youthisamatureturning.
Youthislikeagustofwindblowing,leavingonlythedustyback.
Wehavebeenorareembracetheyouth,wewillloseouryouth.
Somepeoplesaythatyouthisascrapofpaper,ofnouse.Everyattemptnothingandaccomplishnothing,onlyknowtoeat,drink,play,music,donotknowhowtostudyhard,donotknowhowparentsbitterness,donotunderstandthemeaningoflife.Alsosomepeople,althoughtheyareunknowntothepublic,buttheycherishtheiryouth,cherishtheirowneverysecond.
Asaneweraofcollegestudents,shouldcherishtheyouth,toseizeeveryminutetolearn.Wemustholdtoouryouth,donotwasteone'slife.Ontheroadofgrowingup,doeverything,eachreadingagoodbook,learneverybitofknowledge.Weshouldnotidleaboutallday,abandonedtheirstudies.Wewanttomakesurethatthegoaloflifeforthemselves,topursuetheidealoflife.Thisistheyouth:fullpower,fullofexpectations,voluntary,fullofknowledgeandthestruggleofambition.
Youthisasong,singthelifethemostmemorablefragment;youthisapainting,drawtheoutlineofthemostwonderfulscene;youthisapoem,topraisethemostbeautifulmomentinlife;youthistheonlywaywhichmustbepassedtoeachofusinourlife,itplaysasignificantrole.
Ihopemyshortspeechwillmakeyouseethethingsclearly.
“Way to Blue. Everybody Hurts. Glad to be Unhappy.”
These were some of the chart-toppers announced on the radio while I was at the barbershop a year ago. Quite depressing, huh.
I asked my brother, Joe, why songs that display such unhappiness reach the charts. Joe is an established businessman who is always confident with his viewpoints. He reacted quickly and questioned me in a matter-of-fact tone, “can’t you relate to the song?” He then confidently pointed to the Buddhists’ explanation of happiness, explaining to me that happiness is never a constant state, but rather only a temporary escape from suffering. While I respect the Buddhist explanation, I couldn’t help but ask: so what is keeping you from experiencing happiness? Joe lost his assertiveness when I mentioned this and he replied, “While I gain acceptance from my peers and family, I feel like I’m a nobody. These songs act as a route for me to escape. I don’t see happiness as attainable in my life.”
While Joe transformed from a confident speaker to a soft-spoken melancholic within a matter of a minute, my barber offered him a sympathetic smile. He spoke up. “I was exactly like you - once upon a time, I deceived myself into thinking I was happy. I followed the majority’s norms of a stable job in brokerage and felt I gained society’s acceptance. I was loved! But deep down, I loved songs like these because I felt so useless. I felt that whatever I did made no difference in the world. I found an escape from this mainstream music as a means of explaining myself. Then the next day, I’d put on my suit and be a nobody again.
Then I asked, but how about now? “Now?” The barber said, smiling. “Now, I don’t think this music deserves its place on the charts.” He flipped over to his playlist and played us a song - “Mayfly” by Cheer Chen.
The lyrics goes “Everyday when we open our eyes, we are all mayflies. Living a simple life, chasing a dream vigorously, searching for nothing but happiness.”
“I think this music deserves a place on the charts. I wish people could search for happiness by only looking forward, and be brave enough neglect harsh criticisms and mockeries along the way - just like a mayfly. A mayfly only sees what is ahead of it - why else would their lives be so simple otherwise? I became a barber because I wanted to attain happiness - sure, I experienced disapproval from peers and such, but I did not want to become “a firefly without light”. I find happiness when I mix with trendy young people that are eager to make their customers look better - sure, some may not understand why this brings me happiness, but does it matter?”
My brother Joe and I had a long conversation that evening. We debated vigorously on our different values of happiness - while the conversation with the barber relit my childhood dream of being a conductor, Joe still questions whether stable happiness can achieved even if his dreams are fulfilled. But ultimately, we agreed that one should not let others decide your own standard of happiness. Don’t deceive yourself into sadness and despair; pick yourself up and find your own definition of happiness. Thank you.
Dream is rich and colorful, each people all have own dream, I am no exception, it is like a kaleidoscope, colorful, each gives person's feeling is different, I think every time, if god give me a chance to realize a dream, I will choose to be a fashion designer.
This is a dream, I don't know when existed at the beginning may be a bit confused, will often ask myself, is this what I want. But I saw RaoXueMan in occasional aunt's short story "standing on the roof of the world" that makes me believe, as long as you work hard, who can stand on the roof of the world, look at the brightest star in the sky.
Just like the song "I stood on the roof of the world, with a magnifying glass to see heaven and earth, found that too much magic, go to look for, the fate of the unknown, would rather believe that love will never be eradicated, who can erase the old legend, we hand clenched, courage and confidence, will be able to invincible, eager to each tomorrow never give up, to burn to burn energy, fantasy world, unravel the mystery, the heart never stop, I predict that the next crisis, aren't you afraid of thorns, side by side to create the miracle, in the bottom of my heart, friendship and the stars, no matter how many difficult problem, no matter how many distance, through the heart and you closer to, your dreams will more clearly, I, always believe that love will not become extinct," I firmly believe that this is my dream, I must work hard, this article is dedicated to the men of his own dreams, I hope you don't secretly tears, in the confusion to believe in yourself, believe that as long as you work hard can stand on the roof of the world!
When I was seven, I started learning English. I played games and sang English songs with other children. Sometimes, I watched English cartoons. It's funny. Then I discovered the beauty of the language, and began my colorful dream in the English world.
I hope I can travel around the world someday. I want to go to America to visit Washington, because my cousin is over there. Of course, I want to go to London too, because England is where English language developed. If I can ride my bike in Cambridge University, I will be very happy.
I hope I can speak English with everyone in the world. Also I'll introduce China to them, such as the Great Wall, and the gardens in Suzhou. I will teaching people of the world about the beautiful language of our country.
I like the English language. To learn English is wonderful. I once wanted to be an English teacher . I also like Chinese literature. When I was really young, I was able to remember lots of poems. I also wanted to be a teacher of Chinese. Now I think that both of my dreams can come true: I will be able to use English to teach foreign friends Chinese and share Chinese culture with them. So that more and more people will be able to get to know the 5000 years' history culture, and the prosperity of our great China.
My future is not a dream. I am confident that it will come true.
Good afternoon, ladies and gentleman! First I want to say is that I’m very proud of to be invited to to present my topic here, which is “ Internet Civilization”.
Before I begin my topic, please allow me to ask you a question: Every time you click the mouse to surf the web, do you know what does it mean?
On the net, you can make friends overseas and call them with IP phones; you can get information from all over the world; you can even give a hand to some people in troubles and get help when in need.
However, we have to admit that internet also leads to intimacy before acquaintance; it scatters secrets outwards, not inwards; and, most worrying of all, it is a vehicle for liars.
Here we should see, there exists good and evil, right and wrong on the web. As netizens, we’d better grow to realize the importance of Internet Civilization.
Just as the famous saying goes “Long and steep is the path to virtue.” Many people advocate that we should be sincere, honest and responsible in our society—the real world. Now, what I want to add is that we also should obey the primary moral principles in this virtual world.
All of my dear friends here, on the internet, which role did you play? Which role are you playing? And which role will you play?
Thank you very much!
Ladies and gentlemen, youth is precious. It is a time of our lives where we are energetic, idealistic and passionate but also clueless, insecure and naive. This small fragment of time in our lives may sometimes feel like a grey area between childhood and adulthood. A time where most of us feel lost but yet excited about what’s to come. It is a mixture of bliss, toxicity and adrenaline. Youth is bright and sunny but it is also dark and stormy. Let me explain.
Youth is happiness. Youth is trying things for the first time. It is being a bit braver, a bit bolder, a bit... mercurial! Perhaps, for some, it is the first time we fall in love and it’s magical - like a story in a fairytale. Youth now, is spending time on the Internet, with our friends, on our hobbies, on the things we enjoy - but, all this time is not time wasted because we are happy. Youth is a Pandora’s Box of memories with childhood friends and high school classmates - making fun of our teachers behind their backs and sometimes copying each other’s homework.
But youth is also pain. It is a time of metamorphosis and sometimes we learn things that are simply excruciating. For those who fall in love, youth is your first heartbreak and it feels like the end of the world. Youth is a time for goodbyes - the friends we used to see every day are now scattered across the globe and everyday becomes once a year. Youth is a time for acceptance - where we get rejected by universities, by our parents and even by ourselves. We beat ourselves up over things we can’t change yet don’t understand - why did that university not accept me? Why am I not good enough? Why?
Youth is both happiness and pain. It has moments of highs and lows, light and dark. It is the zenith and the nadir. You can’t have one without the other. Rather, it’s a balance of both - a yin and a yang, a complete whole.
So ladies gentlemen, do not fear the darkest of nights because it will always be followed by day - the boy or girl who broke your heart will never meet the spouse of your future, the friends you thought you’d never see again come back to you - perhaps on your wedding day and to those who didn’t think that we were good enough, well, look how far we’ve come.
Thank you.