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Aug 8, 2021Liked by Tim Klein, Belle Liang

As a high achieving high school grad, and a new college student at Boston College, I often felt the pressure of pursuing a career and college major that would come with a materialistic view of “success”. I thought I had to graduate BC with a high paying “prestigious” job in order to succeed and receive outward validation from society. It was only later on in my college experience that I recognized it was okay to follow my own heart and passions, and pursue what was most true to myself.

I have tremendous respect and admiration for Simone Biles for sending the message that it’s okay to prioritize your own well being and mental health. She is truly so inspiring!

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Confession: I get the twisties when having to do anything arts + crafts related. My mom is a potter and my sister a studio art major. I always told myself I wasn't artistic at all. Now I clam up when having to fold a piece of paper 😫

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As first generation and low-income student, many of the topics brought up in this article really resonated with me. In particular, I am also a proud daughter of immigrants and often felt that I always had to succeed, and a serious fear of failure. However, I realize the importance of taking a step back and prioritizing myself whether it be physically or mentally. Simone Biles is an extremely strong young woman who is changing the narrative on what it means to be successful. She is truly emphasizing the need to value one's mental health!

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Growing up in a middle-class Asian family I was always taught to pursue the "Chinese Dream," which is basically a similar rendition of the American Dream in China: top-ranked college, well-paying jobs, fancy cars, 5-star hotel vacations, pure-bred golden-retriever, and a house that shines so bright all your relatives come worship it once a week.

My parents and teachers really pushed me hard to a point where I could not take it anymore. Depression took the upper-hand and sleep/concentrating on work started to seem impossible. I thought to myself if all I am ever going to do is performing and then getting to perform again on the next stage, I never truly enjoy all the wonders and awes in life. I don't want to run so fast that when I look back, all I remember is how hard this journey has been. Rather than chasing after the shiny objects all the time, why not taking a breath and focusing on what I have now, and making the best use out of it?

I still feel those pressures all the time to win and do better than everyone around me, but now I know that's a voice I need to push back constantly in order to live a purpose-driven life filled with loving relationships rather than amazing accomplishments (which in my experience have always isolated me from my surroundings because I focus on them so much and forget about other important things/people in life).

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