Living. Learning. Changing

So I went to Taylor's Lakeside Campus open day today with my parents to check out courses there. I have once thought about building Engineering when I was a little kid. For what I see now, kids tend to pick occupations with "super hero's" roles in my childhood time, maybe a fire fighter, a teacher, or perhaps a police men. In dramas, and even some societies, these occupations are one of the most respected occupations ever had in their country. However, I never once had a dream like that. For me, money was quite an important aspect even when I was a little girl. That's why I turned to Building Engineering.

When time ticked by, I started to realize that money isn't everything, it is important, but it isn't what you should live for. Interest is something you should never neglect when choosing a career, why should you pursue a dream you never dreamed of? So I decided on Architecture, where I wouldn't have to be cooped up in an office in front of a computer during work hours, clock in and clock out. A robot life, I would call that. In this path, I believe that I'll be able to get in and out of the office, visit sites, take a look at nature, meet and interact with different clients. For me, this is life, dealing with projects, handling customers, brainstorming etc. In fact, I prefer looking into the creative and imaginative side of my mind for a solution or idea rather that searching through piles of books for a complicated maths solution.

I had little bits of flashbacks, reminding me about myself being fascinated by green house buildings, modern houses, compact yet comfortable areas for us humans to live in. It was then, I decided to take a step towards this path.

I like to imagine, yet I cannot draw these pictures I have in mind.
I can visualize, and yet I cannot sketch out this imagery I have in my mind.

These two contradictions I have for this career path made me hesitate, would I be in the wrong path, I ask myself. But today, after a talk with one of the architecture faculty at Taylor's, my question has been answered.

"Skills can be taught, but the creative mind cannot be answered through text books"

I was quite deep in thought when he started explaining about the courses we would touch and different challenges we might face along the way. No road is easy, but it will be worth it as long as if you have the passion for it. I like the idea about visiting buildings and learning about urbanization, picturing the landscape of the area near the building you have designed. This might be the path, but somehow, deep inside, I still am not so sure about this path, it could be a life long journey, but it could also be a waste if I realize that it isn't my cup of tea after the first year foundation.

I once thought about taking up language, English Literature, I might say. I love reading. Every time we have to read a novel during my English classes (the ones outside school), I'm usually ahead of the other students. Sadly, they don't offer literature in Language here. Their English subject is like an extra tuition for those who fall under Band 2-3 in their placement test during enrollment. Reading, speaking, grammar, writing, it's what i do now in class, and it isn't what I am currently looking for. So I guess English Literature is crossed out in Taylor's.

I too did a career test. Most of my options fall under art and people. So the counselor told me a few things about myself, which I would like to keep personal, but she mainly talked about interaction with people, creativity and languages. All in all, I still am the queen of the test. The test, is a dead elimination and suggestion of jobs for ourselves, it can be accurate, or not. While we, are human, this logical mind is what that counts. The test is based on your interest and values for the society, but if you find yourself comfortable with whatever career path, then go for it.

Architecture. A big maybe, and a smaller chance of saying no :)

Anyway, I feel like touching a probably sensitive issue for the people I know, not sure if you guys will read this blog post of not, but I just feel like saying some things about the past few days.

I know, arguments and disagreements are almost unavoidable in project works or group projects, but sometimes, the situation might not be as tight as before if we choose our words wisely. I just chose to take this matter as an example to reflect upon so that I can change my way of thinking in the future.

Now, most people find criticism hurtful while some find it essential in order to improve for the better. I find critics harsh, and I myself, like normal human beings, find criticism bashful and hurt, especially after all that hard work and effort. You feel like letting out all that frustration and telling that critic off, but that doesn't really help the situation now does it. When you look at it from the critic's perspective, all you see is an outcome that doesn't meet your expectation, you look at it, you too feel frustrated, and you criticize the person working on the project not knowing that the root of the problem might start from a communication error between yourselves.

There is a possibility where the critic (the leader perhaps, or the one leading that specific project) explaining the job wrongly or not clearly. And yourself (the one who is doing the hands on job) not understanding the job clearly of getting the wrong information.

By the looks of it, this could be the beginning of a huge argument or the beginning of a change in work attitude. Communication is the key to success in this matter. Yes, even though I hate being criticized, I still need to accept other's opinions and taking other's feedback into consideration. However, I find that other than being harsh, critics can also sometimes give good comments and feedback about their work. It'll be like a balance between the good and bad, yin and yang.

Spread out the inner opinions, the inner thoughts, the inner feelings and the other perspective. This way, you can see though thoroughly and clearly, knowing where exactly to move your next pawn.

Oh and omghjklakaldksalkjhdf I can go to bed peacefully now <3 ahh yay life is just so darn great!