Katrina Nguyen

As lives advance, we are put into these new situations and complications that just might test our will and effort. Although it is hard, I am slowly learning that we must learn to make the bigger effort. As people, petty little words may get to us and the tiniest actions may bother us. I'm starting to realize why you would get so mad at me so easily... But apart from that,  when a person we care about does the littlest things we over analyze those actions. With the little words, the small remarks, they add up. Soon, it might just feel as if we are going to burst and break down, but hopefully we are not. We must realize that we can not always expect somebody to do whatever is predicted. Our expectations for everything may just be wrong, especially about others. Although sometimes it may just be a force of habit, I'm learning that we must not. Maybe "expecting nothing" out of people may be the answer, because we would not get let down. I remember distinctly about a heated talk I had with my Mama while we were on the way to school. We were talking about what future occupations that I would like & etc, but soon we got to the part of aspirations. I had told her I didn't want to be an ordinary citizen that lived in this small town their whole lives, and never got to make the best out of their life. I wanted my life to be meaningful, so I was putting down the little suggestions of becoming a local lawyer or middle class pediatrician. As we said this, I continually replied "thats so simple, I want to be higher and better than that." where it had gotten to the point where she just had said "You need to stop dreaming so high because if you live like that, you will live to face disappointments." I will always remember this, because once while I was younger, I had heard a quote (which I strongly believe) that countered this expression. 

"Shoot for the stars, because even if you did not reach them, you will land on the clouds." 

Afterwards,  I was in awe. I never realized how much my expectations were doubted. I never really have given an effort. I was naturally good at the things I pursued. I was convinced that I was simply good enough. In school, it never bothered me. But it does now. In friendships, I easily made friends and carried close bonds, but not as easily now. I have a feeling all of these factors are slowly trying to show me that I need to go the extra mile now. Even though it is going to be hard coming to terms with this, I know I have to sooner or later. I need to try, and put more effort into all things I used to find effortless. If this is part of growing up, I guess its mandatory.