Ngan Thi Tuyet Ho

Professor: Sheri Van Court

2016 FA Composition I (ENGL - 1301 21028)

Journal #2

How many choices have you made so far in your life? How are your attitudes toward

what your choices bring about in your life? Will you be responsible to fix wrong decisions or

will you blame on somebodys fault?

By reading and writing about personal responsibility, I realize that making decisions for

your life is not an easy task; however, you have to be responsible for what you decide no matter

what will happen. How you react to the on-going results will classify you as a victim mindset or

creator mindset. A victim mindset will never admit his or her failure, he or she always blames on

the others, complains, excuses, or repeating behavior many times. Its easier when you claim

somethings none of your business and you just have to accept the truth as an inevitable event in

your life rather than seeking for any possible solution, taking action and trying something new to

achieve your goal. However, sometimes it ambivalence when your personal responsibility is

against with your culture belief, especially when you live in an Asian country.

As I was a child, I had an affinity for drawing; I loved looking at paintings and buildings.

I decided to become an architect as I was at grade 10, so I enrolled in a painting class. Even I

decided to transfer to another school ( I used to study at an English specialized class) to focus

more on Maths and Physics. However, No one in my family supported my dream of becoming an

architect, they remained neutral attitude; they thought that girls should live an easy life as being a

teacher. Unfortunately, I spent 4 years at college achieving a Bachelor Degree in Education,

which was considered my biggest mistake in my life because I did not take responsibility for my

career. During that time, I sometimes felt my life so boring and aimless even though I tried my

best to perform well at school. However, I knew being a teacher-to-be was my choice, I didnt

blame the boredom on my parents. It is thought that a girl should be a teacher, which is a

respectful career and more suitable for a girl. Of course, my parents wanted me to become a

teacher rather than being an architect or a designer. How silly I was when I chose to study

Education when I did not feel any interests in it, but I was not brave enough to fight with social

prejudices in my country. They also believe whichever university you go to right away after high

school, you will be successful in life; a gap year is not favored even though you are not ready.

Consequently, I like many students in my country- pick one college randomly.

Now I suppose that action have made me a totally irresponsible person in my life.

Fortunately, life gave me one more chance to fix it. This time I still receive negative comments

when I chose to be a graphic designer rather than being a nurse, but I would not repeat the same

mistake. I did. However, I have doubt about my ability, I really surprised with what Ive learned

and what Ive achieved so far. I find fun as I study this major. More significantly, I find out that

living with what you love makes you strong and your life meaningful. Life is not so long, so you

should be responsible for everything in your life.