My Greatest Pride

Since we last talked about greatest fears, why not talk about my greatest pride. Not to brag about it but I AM indeed proud of my experiences in life. Of course there have been particular things I wish I didn't do from time to time but who doesn't. Nonetheless, they made me who I am today and I have nothing to complain.

1. Learning English in Taiwan

Why is that something to be proud of, you're wondering? It IS because I've successfully broken one stereotype about learning English. Com'on, we've all thought or heard about how people go to America, Britain or the Philippines to "study" in language school or get a degree there as their life-long halo. The truth is, if you have to learn English in a language school abroad while being a Taiwanese, you're not likely going there to "learn". I'm not here to say that it doesn't work but instead saying for one to want English so badly they had to go to a different country... Taiwan is fine. I started ABC when I was 13, went to a public middle school and the rest is just me. People often asked me whether I study overseas or was born there. For foreigners I say "no" and for locals I say "no, I'm just like you, born and raised here!".

2. Teaching English in Europe

Hungary and Ukraine seem so long ago and such fractions of life but they made it worthwhile. There were multiple times when I couldn't make it back alive but I did and you know what they say "what doesn't kill you will only make you stronger". I have in fact become stronger than ever. There's a phrase that I use in life for hardships. It goes as "if I could survive this, I could survive anything.". Indeed I survived from war-raging Ukraine, but that won't be the worst in life; it only means I'm ready for worse challenges.

3. Redirecting, Finding Purpose and True Self

I know who I am and who I am not. It's easy to say that you know yourself but not so much when you have to act accordingly. Many of us don't know the purpose of our limited lives. We get stuck in places we don't like but stay anyways. We know we gotta do something but when the times comes we remain uncomfortably seated, where we hate. I still am very proud of the 13-year-old Baby Andy. I knew I was going to be a teacher. I spent ten years running on the wrong track but I derailed with dignity, created a new path and at the same time working towards a greater purpose than teaching, which is inspiring.

I love myself.

I have no regrets.

I am proud of myself.

What's your greatest pride?

#selfreflection