Happiness from these is just temporal.

We were once juniors in our own schools, friends and puppy loves come and go; some stayed longer, some never. At the age of 13, what was on your mind? Was it studies, fun, BGR or already plotting paths to becoming a successful person to fulfill family’s expectation?


Junior has made daddy and mummy proud for excelling both academically and in ECAs. She was pursued by this teacher to study in his school and of course to play in his basketball team. She is touched by his passion and sincerity therefore she made that school her first choice on her list. In her mind, she just wanted to become a better player under his care. And she did.

Junior later discovered her other talent, in Track & Field. She trained very hard. Trice a week before and after school. Winning medals, breaking school’s records, receiving both school and zone awards, but deep down she was empty. The tight training schedule and juggling studies had made her a loner. She had very few friends. Who doesn’t like to hang out with friends at MacDonald’s or go shopping? There was this opportunity cost thingy. She was so focused on what she was doing and did not give much thought about it.

She was amazed by her tonnes of energy during that time. Under her belt, she had NPCC as uniform group, school basketball team captain, VP of Track & Field, librarian, National youth basketball and a player in her primary school Alumni basketball team. Teachers and principal were worried. But this was how she kept herself occupied because she was lonely both in school and at home. She missed her parents but she could understand that they were working hard for the family. She has an elder sister but she was not close to her. She hated her sister because her sister had read her diary. She hated it when her innermost feelings were exposed and mocked on.

All those she has achieved had no impact in her life. To her it was a norm. Those above were to illustrate that one could achieve so much yet own nothing. People of the world strive to achieve money fame and status. But when they have them, are they truly happy?

Happiness from these is just temporal.