Education

Education!!! We all know that this is very important to everyone. However, people tend to ignore the fact that education isn't only thought in school, but it is thought all around us. But to make things simple, let us just talk about school. Not everyone loves to go to school, some simply hate it. I once got tired of going to school because of all the homework, always needing to go to school even if I don't feel like it, and many other reasons. But as I get older, things started to change. Today, I would actually love it if i can go to school every week rather than find a job. I realized that I enjoy to learn, and that I always want to learn new things. If only I can get paid to go to school...(what crappy intro!)

To get a little bit more personal, my academic life is quite well...complicated and not all that successful at the moment. Let us start chronologically...

Elementary was a blast and very easy for me, especially math. However, there was one subject I always struggled on. It was French (though I can speak it quite well). Despite being born and growing up in Montreal, I've always struggled in french, even in high school. 

High School was a blast as well! You can pretty much copy paste my short description of elementary. High school was also the time where you were thought many things about what's good and what's not. For some reason, these awareness days would stick to my head big time, which is probably the reason why I never tried drugs nor smoked. This was also the time I was introduced to Breakdance, something I loved doing. Unfortunately, when I reached College, my schedule would get tougher and crammed that it eventually led me to the point where I had to stop breakdancing. Breakdance will forever be a memory that I will never forget. 

This then leads me to my College life. Now this is where things start to get complicated! Though I'll try to simplify the story. I first applied in Engineering, a three year program. When I reached the second year, my interest would slowly fade, to the point where I just did not really enjoy what I was doing. This would also be the year I started to like this girl, which lasted quite a long time! But bleh, this love story shall continue on another post =P So I decided to try something new. I applied for Graphics Design, however they said I would only be able to start the next year, but I did not want to wait that long, so I then transferred to Social Science, in hopes of becoming a teacher in the future. But then, some complicated stuff happened which caused me to cut class a few times, become lazy, and eventually did terrible in school. I think it was on the fourth semester. So I was at a loss, I no longer knew what I should do.

Then one day, a friend of mine asked me if i wanted to try to apply for this Vocational Program in Aerospace as a Technician. I decided to go for it! However this friend of mine ended up changing program -___- But then coincidentally, another friend I know, Tahnsu, was also in search of a new program. So I brought him with me, and guess what!? We completed the course and graduated! OHHH YEAAHH!!....but there is some bad news actually...The year we graduated was also the year the Aerospace Industry was struggling, so we had a really hard time looking for a job. It eventually led Tahnsu to pursue his studies in electronics. As for me, I made a stupid decision. On the internship I took, I was actually offered a job, but I denied in hopes of getting into a better company...Total Fail on my part...=T but what can I do, it's part of life. Rather than regret this decision, I've decided to use this as a lesson learned and motivation.

So you are probably wondering, what is happening now? Well, after working for a year at Dollarama, I've decided to apply once again in different schools in different programs. This time I got accepted in Tourism, specifically as a Travel Agent. I've always wanted to travel, which is probably why I ended up entering the Aerospace industry. Tourism will definitely help me get more hands-on with the travel industry and I'm finally on my final semester! If all goes well, then that would be great. I pray for all the best, and I really hope everything will turn out for the better. Since I'm still in the progress of completing this program, unfortunately this means the story of my academic life stops here. So to hear the rest of it, I guess we will have to wait until the day I graduate.

Man! Making a decision for your future isn't always the easiest. As you can see, I went from Engineer, to Social Science, to Aerospace, and now Tourism. I just want whoever is reading this to know that, whether you are not sure what you want to take in your future studies, whether your interest towards a certain career keeps changing, it is all part of growing and learning more about yourself. Do not rush your studies, but that doesn't also mean "take as much time as you want". Not everyone realizes what they want to do in life in the same pace as everyone. Some find out quickly and some may take longer than others. Just don't give up your studies, I believe this is very important and will benefit everyone, somehow, one way or another.

"The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet." - Aristotle

Volleyball

There are many things in life I wanted to try. So I did, many of which I thought I would be doing my whole life. However, it was not so and there were quite I few things I enjoyed and loved that I eventually stopped doing. I did things such as Martials Arts (Taekwondo, Wushu, Capoera and Kali), however, I ended up a bit busy with school and I slowly stopped doing these activities. Another which I thought I would be doing for many more years to come was Breakdance. I danced for about 3 years but this as well did not stick with me for as long I thought it would. 

Then one day, a new friend in the year of 2003-2004 invited me to a Sports Centre (we like to call it CDN). I still attend CDN today. I started off with Badminton, then participated in Volleyball that same year. Although I've come to love Badminton and even played in some tournaments, I eventually gave up on Badminton so that I can focus on Volleyball and try to improve my skills. 

At around 2008-2009, I decided to take a step up. I joined a new volleyball organization called "Hung Ying Volleyball". During that time, I would practice this sport at least 4 times a week. I stayed with them for about a couple of years. With them I believe I was able to learn more about Volleyball and to shape my abilities. I was never sure what role I would like to take when playing the sport, but with them I found out. I also had the opportunity to participate in an Asian Competition that takes place in North America, an experience I will never forget. But recently, due to school, I had to leave Hung Ying because it did not match up to my schedule. Luckily, the volleyball sessions that takes place in CDN fits perfectly with my schedule. 

Volleyball, not only has it help me to stay active and stay in shape, but it was very influential in my life. For example, it thought me how to be more confident. It also helps me forget about my problems and clear up my mind. But I think the most important thing that this sport has brought to me are friends. I met many friends here and there, some whom I consider my brothers and sisters, some that just came and left, and some that are in between. But the friends I met through Volleyball sort of has another feel to it, to make it simple, they are like family to me. 

I can go on about why I love Volleyball so much and how it has affected my life, but to make things brief, let's just say, this is a sport that I know I will keep playing for as long as my body allows it. 

(Saori Sakoda, my favorite Volleyball player, who knows, maybe I'll meet her one day and...)

One last! I know the last paragraph sounded like it would be the last one but too bad, just had to share this one. =P I once had the dream of going professional, but I think it is a bit difficult now. But I believe this dream isn't dead yet. Who knows, maybe I'll actually go Pro one day (I sort of doubt it -_-) But even if I cannot, being able to teach volleyball to the younger generation is more than enough. Knowing that I can influence and inspire a persons life through Volleyball would be a dream come true as well, who knows, maybe that future player of mine can go Professional ;) 

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." - Eleanor Roosevelt

Me and My Guitar

There was a time when I wanted to learn to play an instrument. Luckily, during that time, my aunt offered me her electric guitar which I gladly accepted. I do not remember when exactly I started practicing, but I do know that ever since the day I owned a guitar, my life has changed. Music became a huge part of my life. I can't believe I forgot to mention this on my very first post. This is why I have decided to make my next post about me and my guitar.

Practicing with an electric guitar was not the easiest, especially because I did not have an amplifier. Not long after, my parents brought me to Steve's, a music store in Montreal. This is where I chose my very first and only acoustic guitar up to now.

There is actually quite a lot of history behind this Guitar of mine. I will share a few of them with you. As you can see there is a KSWISS sticker, that is because I love KSWISS brands, especially the shoes. You cannot see it on this picture, but right below the sticker, I wrote Sintonado, which means off-tune/key. I will talk about that next time, but to give you an idea, that was the name I used when I used to rap with some friends. Another marking I have which isn't very clear as well is on the bottom right. It is written "14375". It actually stood for I Love You Forever _____. I'll keep her name a secret for now. ;) However, since I love God and love to play the guitar in church on special occasions, below the numbers, I put "I Love You Forever Jesus". 

One final reason why this guitar is very special to me is because playing the guitar puts my heart at ease, and in some cases helps me express my feelings. So as I begin to strum my guitar, it feels like I am being brought to another world...A world of peace and tranquility. 

"Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent." - Victor Hugo

This is "I"

I have decided to make my first blog post about me and maybe some other details. First things first, most of my friends call me Lan. My SoW brothers call me Scout. I prefer not to give my full name, but here is a bonus since it is my very first post, my middle name is Jason.

Here are some facts about me in point form to ease things:

- I am born on the year of the Dragon.

- Jackie Chan is my Idol!! We have the same birth date, awesome eh?!

- Videogames plays a huge part in my life.

- Not many know this, but I can be quite stubborn and selfish.

- Volleyball is the sport I love and will probably keep playing as long as my body allows it.

- And most importantly, I love God. He plays a huge role in my life, and I believe he is the main reason I stand where I do now.

There are definitely many things I didn't point out and forgot, but probably because my mind blanked out. But as you follow my blog, I am sure you will learn a few things about me, and hopefully learn a thing or two from me.

Actually, I always wanted to make something of this sort, but wasn't sure how, or I simply had no idea where to start. But a good friend of mine, whom I also consider a brother (known by the name of Aron aka Ninja), got me inspired/motivated to finally start something, and here it is! I believe this will be a good way for me to learn new things and express many things, such as my feelings, things that has occurred in my life and what I've learned as I grow.

"Change Your Thoughts and you change your world." - Norman Vince Peale