So, I haven't really introduced myself. My name is Qiao Wen Tan. I am an international student from Malaysia and I will be a third year senior at Miami University next year. I am a Chemical Engineering major, but I am studying this course, not because it is my one and only passion, but only because I knew that I wanted a technical background in science for myself.
In fact, I do not really know what I intend to do in the future. I have a broad scope of interests - I love music. I love performing. I love arts. I love the media and communications studies. I am interested to learn about finance, economics and the stocks market. I love to travel and learn about the world... and of course, I love math and sciences.
Yes, I am not ashamed or afraid to admit that my parents had some form of influence in that decision when I first picked my major and I am sure the same goes for many of you high school seniors out there.
You know what? Sometimes, it is okay to heed advice from your parents, especially if you know that the decisions they helped you make have been shaping you and helping you grow in the right way in the past. After all, parents are the experienced ones. Well, of course, mix and match it up a little - follow your heart, follow your instincts, but at the same time, it is definitely okay to listen to what others have to say and then re-evaluate your decision. Talk to people.
My mother always wanted me to be a doctor, but I knew I can't (not because I do not enjoy biology but because I know that I have a phobia for blood, wounds, dead body, needles and things like that in general - I don't think I'll be able to handle my patients). We sat down and talked about it, weighed the pros and cons, took into consideration what I enjoy studying and what I do not and finally, I've decided that I want to go into the biomedical field, thus Chemical engineering with a concentration in biomedical/biochemical background. I am still keeping my options open this way. I know that in a few years time, when I grow older, if I decide one day that I am not afraid anymore, I can still apply to medical school anytime. Else, I can apply to a business school to earn my MBA or continue my studies as an engineer in a graduate school... law school? mmm not so much, but still a possibility. Otherwise, I can always graduate, get a job as an engineer or if not, continue pursuing my passion in music, as a performer, a music teacher, or an audio engineer.
However there's one thing I know for sure - I want to go to graduate school after Miami because I believe an undergraduate degree is no longer sufficient in today's world. Simply throw a rock at any direction, chances that you hit a person who owns a college degree with that rock is probably very high. So what makes you outstanding and competitive in the future?
I like to explore and to keep my options open. That is why I love the fact that Miami offers the Miami Plan Courses. It allows me to study something outside of my major. It gives me an opportunity to be a well rounded person. In fact, I am extremely excited that I will be studying a couple of liberal arts courses this summer - history, world politics and architecture. They are nothing close to what I am good at, but I am not afraid to attempt and to force myself to do it because I know I will learn a lot.
Whichever field you choose to settle in, whatever major you pick, give it a 110%. I am a firm believer of the power of positive thinking. "If you can't you must, if you must, you can" - Anthony Robbin.
To read widely is my second piece of advice. Do not only focus on your major. I must admit sometimes I struggle to find time for that because I am not a speed reader, but be rest assured that in doing this or making this a habit will only put you at an advantage. Remember: Pop the bubble, think outside the box.
Anyways, that was a really long introduction. Good Luck!
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