After years of constant effort and movement, I have finally reached the end of my college journey. Over these years, my experiences in both study and part-time work have given me far more than just a transcript filled with A grades and wages earned from jobs. They have given me hardship, growth, and self-discipline. During college, I served as a student leader in both the student union and my class, leaving behind a busy yet meaningful presence on campus. Though tiring, it was fulfilling, and these experiences greatly improved my abilities.
I am grateful that I did not fall behind in my studies while working part-time. Instead, I achieved the qualification for postgraduate recommendation, which brought me some comfort. However, pursuing graduate studies was not the path I truly wanted. I once wrote an essay titled “A Dream in Settling Down, How Do I Pursue It,” which won second prize in a campus competition. At that time, I was still confused and unsure about my true direction in life.
As time passed and experiences accumulated, my goals gradually became clearer. After deep reflection and struggle, I made the firm decision to give up the postgraduate recommendation and choose employment first. This decision may partly come from family financial pressure, but more importantly, it reflects my own choice about my future path. No matter what decision I make, I believe I will not regret it, because once a direction is chosen, it must be pursued with determination.
There are many students like me—we are ordinary, working hard for our studies and striving for life. The hardships and efforts along the way are something only we ourselves can truly understand. In moments of exhaustion and difficulty, I once wanted to find a quiet corner and cry. But over the years, I have learned not to be easily defeated by life. I often tell myself: when life challenges you, face it head-on and see who will win in the end.
Whatever life gives me, I will respond with double effort. At the edge of hardship, I choose to move forward with a smile and inner strength, continuing on the path that belongs to me.
