Had a mini-debate with Qinglin about the above during lunch today.
Okay, let's start from the beginning. Tershien and I were feeling neglected and ignored because the two people in front of us are probably the most/almost the most popular kids in the Sec 2 cohort. Who are Jasmlne and Qinglin. Urgh. They say hello to almost everyone, or almost everyone says hello to them. Which I'm starting to get used to. Double-urgh.
Read entry. So Tershien and I decided to see if the next person who knows all of us will say hello to all of us, or just 'Hi Qinglin, Hi Jasmlne' and neglects us. But well, in the end most of the people said a general hello to all of us.
Then Tershien and I started talking about Jasmine and Qinglin being popular, and Jasmlne being multi-talented. And the whole conversation was about talented/multi-talented juniors etc.
Yea, here's the debate part.
My stand: Chances have to be seized, but at the same time, given by others. What can you seize if nobody even gives you a chance? If you have passion for something, you have to have the chance to be able to learn it/master it. Example, I've wanted to learn the piano since a long time. But without being given the chance, will I be able to learn the skill? Will I be able to master it? No. Yes, you may say that as long as you have the passion and perseverance, you will be able to learn it someday. But when is that someday? Am I going to save every single cent I have, and pay for the lessons myself, and buy a piano? What if you weren't given a chance at all? What if your parents didn't support the whole thing? Are you going to make your parents get angry and sad just because of a piano? No. And when you are given a chance, you will be able to realise if you have the talent for it. It is when you are given the chance to try, to realise your potential (or not), and to really know if you have the passion for something. So my conclusion for this chunk of text is that, chances have to be given before you go for your passion.
Next up, talent. With passion and no talent (especially when it comes to arty-farty stuff like drama and music), you won't achieve much. Yes, most of the time, it's 90% hardwork and probably a 10% talent. But that 10% sometimes does make a difference. If you do not have the 10% talent, you still will have the 10% chance of failing, even with 90% hardwork. And when you fail again and again, even a burning passion can't overcome it. So maybe it's time you try to realise some hidden talent (but still, you need to be given the chance to try!). Negative thinking, but true. Unless you really have that much of a perseverance. But of course, you need to have the 90% hardwork first.
Conclusion:
You need to dream, and then you will have a passion.
With the passion, you need to be given opportunities.
*Passion, dictionary.com definition, a strong or extravagant fondness, enthusiasm, or desire for anything: a passion for music.
But passion does not necessarily means you're good at it.
With the opportunities, you will realise if you have the talent.
Okay, to sum up,
Dreams + Opportunities + Talent + Hardwork is required.
I feel so smart for coming up with all these. However, Qinglin strongly believes that as long as you have the passion, just go for it. You make chances. As long as you have the passion and is willing to work hard for it, you will be able to achieve it, whether or not do you have the opportunities given or the talent.
Well, I sort of agree with him too. But I have to admit that I don't have the courage to.
