I'm lucky that way.

Seven years ago, I told my dad that I wanted to be an Electrical Engineer, was so hyped bout it that I got brochures on course specifications and twinning programs; both mom and dad encouraged.

A year later, I told my parents that I wanted to continue my studies in Nuclear Physics instead and was searching for local universities that offered such course, mom almost fainted, but both supported nonetheless.

Right after SPM, I dragged my best friend into doing a research on local universities that offers a degree in Social Science, planned to get good results in matriculation so I’d get to choose the course I wanted. Papa said with a degree like that it’d be quite easy to get a job anywhere since every company would use one, might find your way into embassies too especially when I planned to major in cultures and linguistics. (Back then I had this ridiculous illusion that I was good with languages!)

Few months into 2006, I was offered to do medicine in Egypt, something I never planned or dreamt of, being a child as I was, I had no idea what Egypt's like! So there I sought my parents to what they think. Mom told me a story where she regretted turning down an oversea offer to further her studies when she was twelve, and dad being dad, ‘whatever you choose my dear, as long as you’re happy’.

Two years into medicine I told my parents that I wanted to specialize in Obstetrics & Gynecology later on, preferably somewhere in the UK, wouldn’t mind doing it in Egypt anyway, moving to a new city and different university would just do the trick! Just two years later, I then changed my plans, wanted to further my studies and skills in Malaysia instead, back home in Sabah (apparently our O&G hospital is the best in Malaysia!). Papa and mama were glad that I was happy with what I’m doing.

Three years later, I fell in love with the nature of Trauma/Emergency and Accidents, planned on being a trauma surgeon, and earlier today I told my parents that I’ve fallen in love with this amazing university hospital in Germany and planned (in God’s will, of course) to do my specializations there. Mom was ecstatic, and dad briefed me on how he applied for his masters and scholarships. They somehow believed that I’d find some way around the fact that none of the medical institutions in Germany is approved by the KKM (Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia). Almost felt like I had superpowers or something there.

I was deep in my thoughts about to doze off just moments ago when it hit me that my family would even support me if I told them that I’d like to suddenly change path and live on the moon later on! (Not that I have an astronaut’s brains).

I can basically be and do whatever I want; nobody’s limiting me except for myself. I turned twenty-two about a month ago, and I’m in this phase where I feel like I want to be everything, like I want to save everything! Who knows, by the time I graduate I might want to be a cardiac surgeon instead, or get into managements, or do business! 

My plans are as unpredictable as the weather, but these are the days, those few moments of rare realization; I’m truly thankful and blessed that I was born as my parents’ daughter – I’m lucky that way. They rock, seriously.