It’s hard to decide whether to strive to be the best or to be oneself, especially when people around you are all driven crazy by physical attraction. Which should I choose?

    As a senior high school student, the most important thing is to study diligently, which is often reiterated by my teachers and parents. They often tell me “You should ...” “You must ...” “You can’t...,” as if I would be damaged if I go against their will. I follow the rules all the time. According to their expectations, I must become perfect and be the best in the near future.

    To be the best, I am supposed to do well at dancing, playing the piano, my academic pursuits, and other things. All this would make my parents and teachers proud. But it would also make me tired and unhappy. My parents and teachers always put too much pressure on me so I have lost the freedom to do the things I like. In this case, I lose myself and live a life that doesn’t belong to me. Being the best in terms of others’ anticipation is sad and meaningless.

    Therefore, to be myself is a better choice. I can have a say in my direction in life and be the master of myself. Besides, once I have my free will I can achieve my goals more easily, because interest is the best stimulator. I can also develop my potential.

    It’s easy to follow others but hard to be self-aware; it’s easy to betray oneself but hard to be true to the heart. There’s no contradiction between being oneself and being the best. But once we separate them, the conflict will come.