Edwin High School of Excellence is one of the most famous schools in the Segwid district of Maryland Province. It may not rank first in the district, but it has enough prestige to make people proud to be students here. Its founder, Sir Edwin Jenner, was one of the most influential people in the district, contributing significantly to its development. He established many colleges and hospitals for the people. Our school is one of his establishments. A statue of him stands in front of the main building, with the words "Those who don’t dare, can’t make a change" inscribed below it. This has been a guiding inspiration for many students who have contributed to the district’s development. This is a brief introduction to my school, and here I am, Arthur, a tenth-grade student.

“What are you thinking about? Daydreaming again, huh?” A rough voice interrupted my thoughts.  

It was none other than my deskmate, Ejeah.  “Nothing,” I replied.  

“Of course, you wouldn’t tell. Open your book; the teacher is coming.”

“Yeah.”  

Soon after, our afternoon class started, and we went back to our studies. After finishing our classes, we headed toward home. Michael and James were waiting for us in front of the school gate.

“So, have you decided what you want to become, James?” asked Michael.  

“Hell no… Max. What about you?”  

“I think I will pursue medicine.”  

“Damn… Do you really think you’re that smart, Max?”  

“If I were that smart, I’d top our grade,” he answered mockingly.

“My parents want me to pursue medicine, even though I don’t know anything about it.”  

“Are you forgetting about the counseling session tomorrow? We’ll get a better idea of what to do with our lives there,” said Ejeah, interrupting their conversation.  

“What are you going to say, Ejeah?” James teased him.  

“Not gonna tell you that. Have you decided on anything, Art?” Ejeah asked me.  

“I think I want to be an author. I love to write,” I replied.  

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“Good for all of you. I haven’t even decided what I want to be,” James said in a disappointed voice.  

“Don’t worry about that, James,” Max consoled him.  

“You’ll surely become a good author in the future,” he said to me.

“Yeah.”  

“Okay then, here’s where we part ways. Bye, guys,” said Ejeah.  

“Yeah, bye,” we all said.  

At that three-way pass, we went to our respective homes. Max and James live beside each other, which explains why they’re close. They’ve been friends since childhood and even went to the same primary school. Their parents are also close because of them. For me, none of my classmates live nearby.  

I reached home and opened the door. My parents were out for work and would come home in the evening. I got ready and had my lunch. Afterward, I went back to my studies.  

My room is decorated with many pictures. I like to discover what an artist is trying to express through their art. I often write about what I think of each piece. The best one is pasted on the wall in front of my desk. I love that painting because it resonates with me. The artwork shows a boy sitting on top of a hill, gazing at a night sky full of stars. He’s pointing at a star and dreams of becoming one—shining brightly in the dark night.  

I heard the door open. It was time for my parents to return home. My mom called out to check if I was home. I answered, letting her know that I was back. She went to prepare dinner. I went downstairs and sat beside Dad to watch TV. He was watching the news, covering all the major events of the day. Gently, he placed the remote on the table and asked me, “So, have you decided what you want to become in the future?”  

“Yes, I want to pursue liberal arts and become an author,” I answered.  

To my surprise, his expression turned a bit upset.  

“Are you sure you want to become an author, son?”  

“Ye… yes…” I replied, stammering. “I like writing and want to choose it as my career.”  

“Look, son, I know you like writing, but you can’t choose this as your career. You know many people in the world can write much better than you. Also, you’ll have to work hard to make it in that field. You’re smart and good at studies, so why not choose a better goal? Think it over carefully and make a wise decision,” Dad said.  

I couldn’t reply. I was shocked and disappointed.  

Suddenly, Mom called us for dinner, ending our conversation. We moved from our seats to sit at the dining table.  

“Don’t overthink it now. You have exams next month. Focus on them first, and then we’ll decide what to do in the future,” Dad said.  

“Hmm…yes,” I answered.  

What’s there to decide? It’s my choice to decide what I want to do in the future. My mind was full of such thoughts. After having supper, I went back to my room. I sat down on the chair and started to think about what Dad said to me. This reminded me of my close friend Pit (my diary). I took out my diary and started writing what had happened today, from morning till dinner. Then I wrote about what Dad said. Writing to Pit always gives me peace of mind. He’s the only one I can tell everything to, except EJ (Ejeah). I wrote to him about how easy it is for people to say you can do whatever you want in the future, but somehow you feel pressured to choose what others decide for you. They say there are numerous options available, but you end up picking from just a few. Why can’t we choose what we like? Is it that difficult to become what we dream of? But one thing I’m sure of is that maybe not my parents, but my teachers will eventually agree with me. I’ll surely get some good insight tomorrow. Let’s hope for the best.  

With that, I ended my conversation with Pit and went to bed.