Log #7

In the public speaking class, the speaker gave us a questionnaire to find out our own natural behavior for more effective relationships. The whole quadrant can be divided into four categories: Analytic, driver, amiable, and expressive. I belong to the driver section. Drivers tend to do everything at a high speed once we make up our mind; making decisions is also quickly done. For me, it’s perfectly correct. Besides, if you give me missions or goals, just leave me alone for I would like to make things done by myself. It doesn’t mean that I don’t need others’ help; in my opinion, it is sometimes efficient to work alone rather than work in a team. Furthermore, if the commanders give me the deadline, I can finish the work few days in advance because I am disciplined about time. No matter it’s time for handing in homework or keeping an appointment, I will never be late except that I forget to do. Otherwise, I will usually be faster than others.

        However, the drivers, at least for me, are not risk-oriented. I am the one who likes leading an ordinary life and hates taking risks. The situation happens in my daily life. When I check my mailbox, I can often get some information about the internship in institutions or companies. At my first sight, I think it’s a good time for me to improve myself and take the chances into consideration; a few seconds later, I give up since I am afraid of taking the challenges and finally leading to the failure. To be honest, I am very likely to make one resolution in a few seconds and then tell others that I make up my mind to quit few days later, or even some minutes later. In such conditions, it is absolutely possible that I am hated by my friends or colleagues, which is what I fear in the future. Thus, according to the suggestions from the survey, what a driver needs is constructive criticism from others. I really need someone who can give me directions when making choices so that the force will push me to make right decisions.

Log #6

Book: The Life List

Author: Lori Nelson Spielman

Chapter: finished

        Brett, of course, accomplishes the goals written in her youth. However, the most impressive one is having a child. Brett, actually, doesn’t have her own child; instead, she adopts the child born by her student who dies shortly after giving the birth. Originally, the student’s mother wants to get this child for the welfare. Knowing the background of the woman, Brett makes up her mind to give this newborn baby a safe and wonderful future. To get the custody of the child, Brett even has the trial on the court to fight against the woman. While others think Brett’s goal is to realize one of her lists, she doesn’t care about what they say and stay faithful to her mind. This really touches my heart, and I wonder why Brett determines to adopt the baby. I conclude that Brett has strong love towards her student along with this poor child.

        The other part is about Brett’s relationship. It’s truly difficult to identify one’s mind. In this book, Brett gets confused among the three intimate male friends for she needs to complete one of the goals-falling in love. Every man treats her wholeheartedly; it also seems that Brett hurries to find a man to reach the goal. In the end, she finds out that her Mr. Right is the one whom she meets some time on the train. Also, when she walks on the street, he jogs past sometimes. It surprises me that Brett doesn’t choose Herbert who accompanies her all the time when in distressed. Brett ultimately chooses to stay true to herself and not to hurt others. Thinking for some moment, if I were Brett, I might choose Herbert. The reason is simple; I am afraid I am not going to find another one who is as perfect as Herbert. I may yield to the current condition rather than think future possibilities.

I’d say this book is my favorite so far; it just seems that my desire to finish the book roots in my heart. It also lets me think of Ellen DeGeneres Graduation Speech. In the speech Ellen said,“Follow your passion, stay true to yourself and never follow anyone else’s path.” It is actually tough for me. I am the person who cares a lot about how people think of me and what others think what I should do. I am easily influenced by others. However, I will try. Try not to let those affect my mind, my decision, my behavior.

Ellen DeGeneres Graduation Speech Transcript:

http://gradspeeches.com/2009/2009/ellen-degeneres

Concept map

This concept map briefly reflects what I think I am. I hope to find out more through the next two months.

Once a painter said, "Each time I figured out what the painting wasn't, I was one step closer to finding out what it was." This sentence struck heavily on me. It's true that if we do nothing for our goals, we don't know whether the goals suit us or not, not to mention that we just imagine! We need to make mistakes and take action to try rather than just talk about our dream. Thus, few days ago, I made an important decision, which was that I registered for a personnel in our department association. Actually, for me, it's tough to be determined and this is the start to step out of my comfort zone. I don't know whether this action will do good to me or not. However, at least, I am brave enough to take courage to do what I am afraid of! 

Source:
 http://www.oprah.com/spirit/how-to-find-out-who-you-really-are-by-anne-lamott#ixzz4fuzDsE2M

Log #5

Book: The Life List

Author: Lori Nelson Spielman

Chapter: 1-10

        Everyone has dreams in youth. Do you still remember it? I do! I wanted to be a teacher when I was in elementary school. However, growing up, I change my mind to be a member of airport ground staff. In this book, Brett Bohlinger had a splendid life as a director of marketing in her mother’s company. After her mother’s death, Brett thought she would inherit the company in her mother’s will. Nonetheless, things did not go so well; Brett did not get what she had expected and also lost her original position in the company, which was required by her mother. In addition, her mother wanted Brett to accomplish the life list she wrote when she was just fourteen years old.

        During the process of pursuing those goals, Brett found out that her boyfriend might not be suitable for her, and she recovered from the trauma for she ignored her best friend in childhood when knowing she was a lesbian. In addition, originally, Brett thought it was impossible for her to work on the number twenty: Be an awesome teacher, because she was accustomed to the excellent job of being the director of marketing. However, after teaching some disadvantaged children, she again loved teaching. It lets me think of one video I saw on Facebook yesterday. Will Smith said, “On the other side of your maximum fear are all of the best things in life.” I always think everything the worst; thus, it prevents me from doing anything I like. The video made me reflect on myself. It’s time for me to step out my comfort zone and to enjoy a different world!

Videolink: https://me.popsugar.com/celebrity/Smith-Learns-Life-Lesson-From-Skydiving-Dubai-43435562

Log #4

Animal Testing

Due to our group project’s topic, I would like to talk more about the supporters’ reasons for animal-testing. I have mentioned in my previous log that advocators think animals themselves can also get benefits, and unclaimed animals in shelters can also be useful in laboratory. In the following paragraph, I will talk about other opinions for animal testing.

        First, no one wants to replace those animals in laboratory. No one is fond of being stabbed, being caged, being injected. All the behavior is unhuman. We can just do experiments on controllable and gentle animals. Second, let’s just compare the number of animals such as cows or pigs we eat with that of animals we use in animal testing. According to The Humane Society of the United States approximately two billion cattle, chickens, ducks, hogs, sheep, lambs and turkeys were killed for food in the United States in 2015. Also, according to the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, over 100 million animals were killed in the United States alone in 2014. The numbers are difficult to estimate because the majority of animals used in research - rats and mice - are unreported because they are not covered by the Animal Welfare Act. Here we can see the number is dramatically different!

        Actually, after comprehensively thinking about this issue, I take the neutral position. I think although using animals to test products or medicine is not good, some procedures are still necessary. What surprises me most is that animals consumed is a lot more than those experimented. Thus, I think if we really care about animals’ right, we should first cut down on the amount of meat we eat!

Source:

http://www.hsi.org/campaigns/end_animal_testing/qa/about.html??referrer=https://www.google.com.tw/

https://www.thoughtco.com/how-many-animals-are-killed-each-year-127631

Log #3

Book: Wild

Author: Cheryl Strayed

Due to the loss of her mother and divorce with her husband, Cheryl decided to take the challenge to hike on the Pacific Crest Trail and explore herself. Having known the difficulty and obstacles, she still managed to make it. Frankly speaking, I appreciate her courage and determination a lot. Since I have longed to go to the North Coast in Taiwan and already looked up some information, I still don’t make the firm resolution about when I will go. After reading this novel, I think it is time for me to do what I like right away instead of putting it off. Besides, past is past. We should just let it go rather than keep all bad memories in mind. What matters is the presence; thus, we definitely need to cherish every moment!

Here are a few sentences that talk about how the author persuades herself and controls her mind while meeting difficulty. “Fear, to a great extent, is born of a story we tell ourselves, and so I chose to tell myself a different story from the one women are told. I decided I was safe. I was strong. I was brave. Nothing could vanquish me. Insisting on this story was a form of mind control, but for the most part, it worked.” This statement is just like what my mother tells me. She says if I encounter any problems, I can keep telling myself in mind that I can do it! It would indeed give great valor to me. In addition, the first sentence “Fear is born of a story we tell ourselves.” is deeply rooted in my heart. Actually, I am the very person who tells herself not to do this or that because I am afraid of the difficulty which comes out from my make-up situations. Now, I think I have to try what I am scared to do!

Log #2

Animal Testing

        What comes to your mind when you think of animals? Is it chicken, cows, or pigs since they are in our everyday meals? Or, is it mice, rats, monkeys because they are being experimented to meet human’s needs in medicine? Actually, more than 100 million animals worldwide are killed each year for medical testing. Some people are for animal testing, believing that it will help develop new medicine; others are against medical training, considering that it is inhuman.

        People who are for animal testing say that not only human but also animals themselves get the benefits from it. It’s best if the medicine tested in animals can also be applied in human body. For medicine which is unable to be consumed in human body, it might possibly be effective for animals’ diseases. Furthermore, unclaimed animals in shelters can be used in laboratory, as well. For one thing, this way can reduce the number of stray animals in shelters. For the other, it can help medical industry to cultivate new life-saving drugs.

        Others who are against animal testing consider that animals are a lot different from human beings in terms of cells or issues. Thus, the medicine is not reliable. In addition, it is immoral to do animal testing because animals still have right not to be caged or confined. Human don’t want to be regulated, not to mention animals that originally live in the wild. Moreover, when experimented, animals need to endure painful procedure. What’s worse, they may die from the process of testing.

        Frankly speaking, I still don’t know which side to support. Both have their rational reasons. I will keep tracking and investigating, hoping to find out more information that can help me make a decision.

Log #1

Book: The Gifts of Imperfection

Author: Brene Brown

When it comes to self-discovery, the first thought in my mind is who I am. Afterwards, I start considering what I really want. Thus, I go to borrow the book called “The Gifts of Imperfection”, subtitled “Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are.” Actually, I am attracted by the subtitle. I always think what I should do as my future career. However, the results are not satisfying to me because those are not what I want and I will not be happy if I choose them. Now, in my deep heart, I know I want to be a member of an airline’s ground staff or dedicate myself to the hospitality industry. Nonetheless, others may think I study in NTUST and why I’d like to do the so-called low-level job. They may say I deserve to get better job. Their comments are rooted in my heart and change my mindset little by little. Then, I begin losing myself and listen to others’ ideas instead of sticking to my own philosophy.

After reading this book, I know I am a perfectionist. I don’t follow the voice from my deep heart because of my fear of failing, making mistakes, and disappointing others. Thus, I get lost. In this book is a quote from Margaret, “You must first be who you really are, then do what you really need to do, in order to have what you want.” No one is perfect. What matters is how I look myself. I just need to be who I am as well as what I want to be, and don’t pursue what others say about me. That will be fine.

Log #9

Book: THE FAULT IN OUR STARS

Author: JOHN GREEN

Since our group has finished reading this book, we embark on writing our report. For my part, I am responsible for the stories, quotes, or sentences about life and death. While I was searching for these, I found out inspirational ones. I am going to share two with you.

1.     “You needn’t die happy when your time comes, but you must die satisfied, for you have lived your life from the beginning to the end …”
—Stephen King, The Dark Tower

For Augustus, I think he lives to the fullest. He meets Hazel and goes to Amsterdam with her to realize her dream. But for his argument with his parents, Augustus would not have had the adventurous travel with Hazel. Although he doesn’t stay with Hazel in the end, I think Augustus is still satisfied for at least he has the wonderful memory with Hazel.

We cannot choose in which way we are going to die, but we can definitely choose in what way we live. For now, I think I don’t have enough courage to do what I like. Besides, I don’t have the ability. However, I don’t want to waste my life on something that I am not interested in. I want to spend my time doing what I really like. Thus, I set my goal and try my best, so I won’t feel regretted after death!

2.     Death is the destination we all share, no one has ever escaped it. And that is as it should be because death is very likely the single best invention of life.--- Steve Jobs

I really like the last sentence: “death is very likely the single best invention of life.” If human beings all lived long and there were no death in our life, what would be the meaning of living on the earth? I think there would be no goal for everyone and the whole world would be destroyed. Thus, although having death is horrible, it also gives people the meaning of life and lets us live on with dreams.

Actually, when I search information about life and death, I can always learn a lot and receive courage or motivation from it. That’s also the reason why I really like to read inspiring books. 

Log #8

Book: THE FAULT IN OUR STARS

Author: JOHN GREEN

Page: Chapter14-finished

After they went back from Amsterdam, Augustus’s condition became worse. He stayed in the hospital for few days, going back home with little strength. He even needed to move with wheelchair. In the end, Augustus still passed away. When Hazel went to visit Isaac, he told her that Augustus wrote something for her. Then, she started looking for it. The whole book ended up showing the letter given to Peter Van Houten of whom Augustus asked a favor.

In fact, while I was reading the last part of this book, I didn’t have much emotion. Maybe it was a little boring for me. However, I still have some reflection. I still remembered one of my junior high school’s classmate’s sudden death. I knew he had the disease after graduation from junior high school. However, I didn’t go to visit him. I only heard of his condition through others. Not until his funeral did I go to see him. Although I still had contact with him while he was fighting for his illness, it just couldn’t compensate for the hollow in my mind. I could tell that he really wanted to go back school if he had had the opportunity. Unfortunately, he could not wait until the day coming. I felt a little regretful after knowing his death. I just couldn’t forget the funeral in which it was my last time to see him.

Everyone really needs to seize every moment and opportunity! When we have time, go to pursue what we like. Otherwise, there might not be another chance for you and me…

Log #7

Book: THE FAULT IN OUR STARS

Author: JOHN GREEN

Page: Chapter 8-13

        During the second part of this book, Hazel, her mother, and Augustus go to Amsterdam at last. Nonetheless, the circumstance is not going so well. Although Hazel meets Peter Van Houten, the author of her favorite book “An Imperial Affliction,” he says aggressive words to Hazel who is eager to know the ending of the book from him. In the end, however, Hazel doesn’t get the result she expects. Besides, Hazel and Augustus have love affair in this session, which makes them deeply connected with each other.

        While I was reading, I felt nervous, interested and I sometimes laughed. I felt nervous since some description made me guess that Hazel’s or Augustus’s condition might get worse due to fatigue. I was interested in the content because I wondered what they would encounter during their first trip abroad. Last, the conversation between Hazel and Augustus made me laugh. Their childish interaction was so approachable that enabled me to recall my childhood memory with my best male friend in elementary school. 

          Actually, I admire Hazel a lot. Being a patient, she insists that she go to Amsterdam to look for the answer to the book. She risks her life just to find what she wants. She really has the desire for knowledge. If I were her, I would definitely not do this. For one thing, I don’t have the courage. For the other, I don’t want those who care about me to get worried. Furthermore, I also think Hazel’s parents are brave. They support Hazel no matter what she wants and help Hazel realize her dream.

        “You have a choice in this world, I believe, about how to tell sad stories, and we made the funny choice.” I repeated this sentence many times. It really inspires me. It struck me that we must not look on the dark side. For the same event, there must be good points and bad effects we can figure out. As for the result of this event, it totally depends on how we see the event and in which way we think of it! I am now trying to think positively!

Log #6

Book: THE FAULT IN OUR STARS

Author: JOHN GREEN

Page: Chapter1-7

        The first seven chapters mainly talk about a girl named Hazel who has lung problems. Her parents encourage her to go to church and attend the Support Group in which most teenagers with other diseases or cancers are under eighteen years old. The children share their experiences and personal condition together. Later on, Hazel meets a boy whose name is Augustus Waters with whom Hazel falls in love. Since Hazel is interested in the ending of the book “An Imperial Affliction,” she would like to go to Amsterdam to meet the author, Peter Van Houten, and Augustus is devoted to helping her.

        The most impressive sentences for me are said by Hazel to give courage to others in Support Group. She says, “There will come a time when all of us are dead....... And if the inevitability of human oblivion worries you, I encourage you to ignore it. God knows that’s what everyone else does.” Since we don’t know when we will die or what will come to us next moment, we need to seize every moment and opportunity. Never have any regrets before we die. Also, “Without Pain, How Could We Know Joy?” I cannot agree with this more. I have one friend who is really afraid of speaking in class. However, due to the class assignment, she struggled with it and practiced a lot. She conquered her fear and finally made it. At that time, she burst out crying out of happiness since she originally wanted to give up. However, she accomplished the task!

        Since the story between Hazel and Augustus occupies most of these seven chapters, I start wondering if Hazel will go to Amsterdam and win over her illness in the end. 

Log #5

Book: LIFE WITHOUT LIMITS

Author: Nick Vujicic

Page: finished

This is definitely the most inspiring book I have ever read. The author Nick Vujicic was born without arms and legs. Although he was depressed when young, he overcame the difficulties happening in his life and led a content life now. He met many people who were poor than him, so he thought to himself that he should live well rather than complain or feel inferior. He mentioned a lot of times about God; the religion played an important role in his life, making him have the will to live on. In the following, I am going to share my aunt’s life experience and the great sentences in the book which provoke my emotion.

One of my aunts suffered from high fever when she was young, so she was a person with Poliomyelitis. She is unable to walk; therefore, she depends on wheelchair for moving all her life. Poor as you may think, she still lives and cooks herself. She goes to the market and plans trip with her friends. She also takes some easy work to make a living. It seems that her inability to walk doesn’t matter right now. Sometimes, I go to her home and talk with her. I can feel that she is trying to encourage me through her life experience when I feel depressed. She also prepares me with delicious dishes cooked herself. Every time I feel disappointed, I think of my aunt and considering if she can live happily, there is no reason that I indulge myself!

“What if I fail? What if I’m not good enough? What if I’m turned down? What if they laugh at me?” These are the questions that Nick thought many fearful people might ask themselves. YES! I always thought these when I was going to do one activity, and that also made me retreat. I was not good enough, I would be turned down, and others might laugh at me. Then, I saw these sentences. “Life isn’t always easy, but when we overcome challenges, we become stronger and more grateful for our opportunities.” It dawned on me that when I planned to apply for the TA for English Intensive Program, I hesitated a lot. However, I still gave it a try. Luckily, I was chosen as one of the TAs. During the whole month, though I encountered several problems, I struggled to solve and conquered them. I eventually learned from the trouble and became stronger mentally. Sometimes fear might not be as horrible as we thought in the beginning. Only we try do we know what the result is. So, go ahead!

Three presentations I like

1.      Jerry

The reason why I choose Jerry is that I only remember “nonsense” on his PowerPoint. It was so special when someone shared the reflection starting with nonsense. While I was wondering what his nonsense could be referred to, he shared his specific personal ideas. Jerry introduced the book in detail though I didn’t like this book very much. I was also amazed by how Jerry shared his opinions with the class as well as how well-designed his PowerPoint slides were. He really made an effort on this sharing.

2.      Celine

When I saw Celine on stage sharing her favorite books, I could easily see her passion for the series-Percy Jackson and the Olympians. Even though I didn’t like to read novels, I was fascinated by her telling stories. She was confident when she introduced the books, and I knew that she totally fell into the plot of these books.

SYL: You didn't like reading novels? Didn't you say you have had built a bedtime reading habit?

3.      Hope

Hope introduced “We all looked up” with passion and energy. She gave her precise opinions on the book and also shared the quote. “You don't wanna go out of this world with regrets. If there's something you want to do, you do it.” It’s kind of related to my sharing. We should cherish every moment so that we won’t feel regret. I like the quote very much since it makes me have courage to do what I want so that I won’t have regrets in the future. That’s the reason why I like Hope’s sharing.

Log #4

Book: LEAN IN

Author: Sheryl Sandberg

Page: finished

        In this book, the author emphasized the women rights. At that time, women were in a lower level compared to men no matter they were at home and in workplace, or women were a child or an adult. The author then wrote this book to encourage all the female to stand out and speak out in many ways such as using her own experiences or research statistics to illustrate. A truly world will be one where women run half our countries and companies and men run half our homes. This is what we should pursue.In the following, I will share the author’s personal experiences that make me have some feeling in mind; besides, I will also mention the chapters and sentences which I have few opinions toward.

The author mentioned the inequality she encountered in her life. For example, when she in a meeting wanted to speak up, the male speaker didn’t let her get the chance while giving other male attendants the opportunities. Besides, in school, teachers complimented boys answering questions or asking questions whereas teachers scolded girls raising hands and expressing their ideas. As time went by, it made the female hold back in public. What’s worse, parents also told their children what kinds of toys they should have instead of choosing by themselves. Boys could not play with dolls; girls could not play with robots. This stereotype still exists today! I still remember that when I was young, my parents always gave my older brother several chances if he did something wrong. However, If it was I making mistakes, I would be punished heavily right away without second opportunity. It was quite unfair! In the end, the author asked, “What would you do if you were not afraid? And then go do it!” My answer for now is to study abroad. However, there are many obstacles to conquer in reality like the expense for going abroad or the ability I have. I think the reality is really different from goals! Nonetheless, I will still strive to achieve that objective!

        I like chapter two very much and I have the same feeling toward what the author mentioned. “Women consistently underestimate themselves. Women face a battle from within.” She also gave the technique to solve this problem. When the author doesn’t feel confident, one tactic she has learned is that it sometimes helps to fake it. She would force herself to smile for an hour, but later she found it become naturally happy. In addition to it, she also mentioned that opportunities are not offered; they’re seized! These sentences keep echoing in my heart. I cannot count how many times I have refused for great offers due to my fear of my incapability. But now, after reading this book, I know I have to wake up, challenge myself, and believe in my ability.      “If I am afraid to do something, it is because I am not good at it or perhaps am too scared even to try.” This sentence completely speaks my heart! I always avoid things that I am not familiar with or that make me nervous. Then, I try not to get close to it; thus, I miss the opportunities! However, Sheryl Sandberg said, “Taking risks, choosing growth, and asking for promotions are all important elements of managing a career.” It’s time for me to change my perspectives toward those things I am afraid of and start my new adventure!

Log #3

Book: Gathering Blue

Author: Lois Lowry

Page: finished

The book talks about a crippled girl named Kira. As a teenager, her father died because of hunting in the forest and her mother also passed away due to disease. Since she was an orphan and had twisted legs, everyone in the village didn’t like her and thought that she was useless. Therefore, Kira was taken to the powerful Council of Guardians for further analyzing and observing. As a consequence, the Council of Guardians found Kira great at weaving, gave her a place to live, and assigned a task to her. Kira made friends there called Thomas and Jo who also had special talents and lost parents. On top of Thomas and Jo, Kira also made a good friend named Matt in the village. Kira and her friends worked together to conquer everything difficult, including the injustice in the village as well as the bad treatment the Council gave.

However, in the final part, Kira’s father who became blind came back through Matt’s leading. He told Kira what had actually happened to him and what the other society he had lived was like. He mentioned the atmosphere along with the kind people in the other world apart from hers. After listening to her father, Kira decided to change the society where she lived with the little ability she had! Can you imagine the young girl with disadvantaged legs overcame the difficulties she had and won the competition over the Council? The ending was open to readers! However, my answer is yes! I think if one has the courage and ambition to solve problems, there are no obstacles to defeat that person.

“There is no arguing. People share what they have, and help each other. Children are cherished.” This was said by Kira’s father after he came back to Kira. When I read these sentences, I could draw a picture in mind by those words. How wonderful the community was! Compared to the society we live now, there are many conflicts existing everywhere and every moment. People will fight for things they want, even steal or rob. People will neglect when someone injured lie on the road. Even children in the school are not safe at all. They may be punished by teachers or bullied by friends. What’s wrong with our world and how can we reverse this condition? That’s the most important question to be thought by not only ourselves but also the governments.

Log #2

Book: THE ALCHEMIST

Author: Paulo Coelho

Page: finished

       The Alchemist was recommended by my senior because it was her favorite book. Curious about if it’s that good, I read the introduction of the book, and thus I was fascinated. In the short introduction are four obstacles that prevent us from pursing dreams. They are value which we own since childhood, love which we put toward others around, fears of defeats that we may meet on the path, and fears of realizing our dreams. Also, in the prologue, it used a story about Narcissus to capture readers attention, me included.

        This book talked about a shepherd boy named Santiago who pursued his Personal Legend. At first, when Santiago talked about his traveling with his father, who wanted his child to be a priest, his father kind of disagreed. However, the next morning, his father gave him some money, expressing his little willingness for the shepherd’s dream. Still, he let Santiago do what he would like to try and give him a chance to see world. It’s just like parents let go of children when they grow up! Although it was just a short description in this book, it made me think of the time when my parents sent me to Taipei and entered the college.

In the process of pursuing his Legend, Santiago dreamed twice about having treasure. Then, he met a woman and an old man who also proved that. Thus, he followed his mind and went a long way to his destination, Egypt. He met a burglar who stole all his money, got a job which was to sell crystal, and then made enough money with which he could go back hometown and buy lots of sheep again. Nonetheless, Santiago hesitated if he should go home or keep traveling. At that time, he encountered an English man who was on the journey to seek after his life. Then, the English man persuaded Santiago to go on and also helped him a lot. In the end, he listened to his mind, keeping on finding the way toward the Egypt Pyramid. Later on, Santiago also met the alchemist who assisted him to find the way to his Personal Legend and encouraged him to keep on. The alchemist said, “When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better.” At the very last, Santiago found his treasure which was not a large amount of money but his mind’s achievement.

Actually, when I finished reading this book, I felt a little surprised because the end was not what I had thought. Originally, I thought there would be a stack of money waiting for Santiago because it was “treasure.” However, I was totally wrong and too superficial. It is a book that focuses on the process of perseverantly pursuing dreams instead of the consequence. Santiago came across many friends who all aided him physically and mentally.

Here are some influential sentences I would like to share. “When each day is the same as the next, it’s because people fail to recognize the good things that happen in their daily lives.” “Life is the moment we’re living right now.” When you get bored with or furious about your life, why don’t you look what’s happening on that day? Something interesting can make you happy and eliminate those bad ideas. Also, don’t look back. Just mind what you’re doing and what you’re going to do. Past is past, and it’s a waste of time to regret what you had done! 

Log #1

Book: The Sense of an Ending

Author: Julian Barnes

Page: finished (150 pages)

        Julian Barnes divided this book only into two chapters. For the first chapter, Tony Webster, one of the main roles in this book, in his sixties recalled the memory and started to describe the friendship with three other classmates at school, especially Adrian Finn with whom most of his later story had a lot to do. In addition to friendship in school, this chapter was also about relationship with women as well as the contradiction in Tony Webster’s deep mind in his trip of life. For the second part, Tony Webster talked about his thoughts along with feeling when looking back his early life. Furthermore, Tony Webster shared his philosophy toward life after experiencing terrible conditions. For example, Adrian Finn and Tony Webster’s ex-girlfriend fell in love. However, with no specific reason (which couldn’t be figured out then and there), Adrian Finn committed suicide. To sum up, it’s a book worth reading for not only Tony Webster’s tortuous life but also the meaningful philosophy mentioned by him.

        In this book were many sentences which made people introspect themselves. “We all suffer damage, but the way we react to it is much more important.” When I saw this sentence, I couldn’t help yelling “yes” in my mind! As a person who always looks negatively, it is the sentence that reminds me I should not be affected by the damage and be in a bad mood. Instead, I need to find ways to solve the difficulty and see the wonderful in my life. “Learn not in the sense of academic study, but in the practical understanding of life.” I myself learn only for getting better grades rather than apply what I learn to daily life. However, actually, we are learning every moment. We learn through understanding ourselves including behavior and mind, and we can also learn through other people’s interaction. Each person or circumstance we have in life may be our tutor. It depends on how we think toward them. Here are some other thought-provoking sentences. For instance, “If you want to make people pay attention to what you’re saying, you don’t raise your voice but lower it.” “When we are young, we invent different futures for ourselves; when we are old, we invent different pasts for others.”

        I was attracted by the name of the book “The Sense of an Ending.” I was curious about what was going to be ended and how the author could recognize it. I liked the way the author elaborated the story and gave insightful feedback in the end. After reading this book, I gradually knew how to deal with friendship, love, and of course life. Besides, I will definitely not want to regret what I have done when I am old. Therefore, I need to cherish every chance as well as moment and not to do something wrong. I still remember one day when I was on high school bus, I made fun of my good friend, and she got angry. Although I kept begging for her forgiveness on that day, she still didn’t give me any response. After almost one year, on the rainy day, she shared her umbrella with me, saying that actually she had forgiven me on that day. However, she just didn’t know how to start a conversation with me since she thought she was so childish to get upset for the careless joke. I wondered if she did not give me a hand on that rainy day, maybe our friendship would come to an end. That would absolutely be a great pity to me. As a consequence, I made up my mind not to do the similar behavior again in my life, or I would regret and hate myself for the rest of my life.

My Reading History

I am sure that I am not a reader. For one thing, I hate spending a lot of time doing the same event, not to mention reading a book or magazine which usually takes much time. Another is that when I was young, I focused more on my studies which made me stressed rather than reading extracurricular books. Therefore, I disliked reading. I read only for specific reasons. For example, teachers force me to do so or I find a book that really catches my attention. Sometimes, if my friends strongly suggest one book, I would try to finish reading.

        I still remember a book called Pride and Prejudice which I read in July. Most modern people are just like the main female role in this book. We judge a book by its cover without further understanding one’s inner beauty. Actually, I am no exception. Nonetheless, after reading this novel, I know that if I keep doing this, I will certainly miss something important in the end.

        After seeing classmates’ reading history, I realize that they develop the habit of reading when young. Their parents or the living environment influenced a lot. As for me, I don’t have that kind of strength, and I think that’s also one of the reasons why I am not a reader. However, I hope I can find my interests, get into the habit of reading, and learn through this class.