"2009 was a year of transition for me as I moved from being a University student to a full-time working adult. Even as I took a leap of faith to become a Financial Services Consultant because I saw the potential in the business...the power of it helping people and touching their lives and of course not forgetting that the nature of the job fits my personality like a lock and key, things weren't always as smooth-sailing as I wished it was.
First of all, I had to deal with the tremendous rejection I felt from my parents because they were not supportive of my career choice. There was one day when I was feeling down after being disciplined by my manager, that I suffered a second blow when my mum criticized my decision to be a Consultant at my grandma's birthday celebration. I was working hard, trying harder to make good of my life but I felt very disappointed that instead of being proud of their daughter, they put me down and discouraged me. What ensued were uncontrollable tears that rolled down my cheeks in front of my relatives at the dinner table. Embarrassed, I forced myself to stop crying only to start again 5 mins later. I couldn't take it longer and walked out of the dinner that night. And for the next few days, I struggled to shake off my depression.
But what really picked me up again was knowing that I'm not the first person who was disappointed by people who mattered the most and nor will I be the last. I watched the movie 'Fame' and it resonated with my heart because like the characters in the movie, I have big dreams, I'm pursuing them and people aren't always supportive... "Everything you want to change about yourself, all the parts of yourself that you keep secret, it's your power, it's who you are."
I also heard about businessman Ivan Lee's story from my boyfriend, about how when he wanted to start Thai Express, his wife was like, "Thai Express? What kind of name is that?" And his immediate family members and relatives kept telling him that his restaurant ideas won't work. But he pressed on with his dreams and went on to open Xin Wan Hong Kong Cafe, New York New York, Shokudo and more and is now earning millions of dollars with restaurant chains all over Singapore.
I always believed that God has a great destiny installed for me and I still believe it now. Even as I strive to be the head and not the tail, above and not beneath, I know it's not without challenges. But I thank God that I managed to breakthrough family and societal expectations of me. The only way I can succeed is without any fear holding me back! I have only one life to live and like what Sun says, I "have to" pursue my dreams. That's what makes me human, that what that gives me freedom. 2010 will be my best year yet! Amen. =)"
