Comment of Evan

Evan’s life is likened to a vast ocean shrouded in fog, a metaphor for time. Older generations have mapped out their parts on how to sail this mysterious sea, yet the young ones, like 17-year-old Evan, are just at the beginning of their journey. His story can be connected to this young generation through his unique firsthand experience. 

Evan’s journey began in hockey, influenced by his father’s passion. This is unique considering where Evan came from. This might be some stereotypes, but Texas is one of the hottest places in the United States. It is indeed unique for someone to grow up in Texas and continue to have an interest in hockey in this environment. Along with that, Evan is also interested in Fencing, a sport which I am also interested in. His reason for joining fencing was to find something to do after hockey season ended. My reason was similar to his reason for Hockey, influences. I have been interested in weapons and duels from the cool scenes of the anime, shows, video games, and movies that I have watched and played since my childhood. Unfortunately, reality is very different compared to how it is shown on screen. The tiredness soon made me give up. 

Evan’s fencing club is one of the best in the United States. Considering the resources Evan had, he still decided not to go professional in fencing. He believes that the amount of time you need to actually turn passion into a profession. I do not think that is a valid reason. After all, if you don’t spend your time on your passion, where else would you spend it? As a consequentialist, I do not see the reason behind that. Therefore, I think there might be another answer in Evan’s mind: the interest in fencing is not enough to push Evan to go professional, and that is still perfect if it is true. After all, it would be better to spend your time on something you truly want than wait 60 years. 

Evan has experienced both in-person and online school. He does not think that there is an absolute answer about which one is better, which I agree with. However, Online School will relatively need more self-control compared to in-person school. In my opinion, there are far fewer restrictions in online school, and this could break the balance of pressure, pushing students to learn. As a result, Evan found that online learning fits his style more, regardless of the social interaction. Unlike him, when I was in online school during the pandemic, I found myself in an awful position both socially and academically.

Evan’s dream college is Columbia University for its strong engineering and economics programs.  He is very successful academically by completing several AP classes while participating in business clubs. He acknowledges the challenge of AP courses but faces them with persistence. Academically, I am nowhere close to Evan. 

Another thing I appreciate is how he balanced self-direction and guidance. Although teachers and parents have given him many suggestions and plans regarding the future, the decisions, such as courses to take, are still based on Evan’s judgment. Many people whom I have met often make the stereotype of how all academically successful students are almost like puppets–or nerds–of adults, merely listening to the adults. Evan is not one of them. Unfortunately, many people in this world are like that, and I certainly do not think that is good. As mentioned before, certain pressures are necessary in order for students to improve, but pressures beyond that, almost to a degree of manipulation, do not show the wellness of any students. In an often-changing world, no one can accurately predict the future. Therefore, instead of trying to fly in the wave of history, it is better to simply find something that you truly love. 

Evan values open dialogue over conflict when family opinions differ, which is something I truly appreciate. Trying to solve a family problem with conflict is like expecting money without working, or drinking alcohol to escape reality. A problem can only be solved by using the correct way. 

Evan also highlighted the economic inequality regarding education. Indeed, low-income individuals do not have the same resources in education compared to the high-income, and that is why colleges today often consider more than just grades. Regarding Evan’s opinion on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), many people would strongly disagree.

Although Evan is not religious, he values experience as the purpose of life. The fact that you are standing here reading this today is already a miracle considering the warfare and natural disasters humans have experienced over thousands of years. In such circumstances, it seems to be important to do something good with this rare chance, and I agree with it. Plus, regardless of whether there is a God or not, it still does not conflict with how we make this rare chance turn into a legend.