The Young Ones

Thursday was an important day for Hui - her convocation symbolised not only her freedom but also her time to grow up. The babe of the family, being the youngest, has always been a spoilt one. And even at a ripe age of 26 (or coming of this year) and as a bride-to-be, she is still very much treated like a little girl by all of us. Maybe because she still behaves like one at times.

Mum and Dad were proud parents that day. Looking at Hui in her robe and square hat, I am sure they must have been filled with immense joy and pride. I knew how I felt. I had been through that almost 7 or 8 years ago. As I remained seated in the hall where the ceremony was taking place, I saw the energy, vibrance, hope and big dreams in the young ones. My face must have exhibited the same tales on the day of my very own convocation. I remembered only Mum and Dad were around on mine.

Those were the days when we were still young and innocent and had big dreams about the future. Anyone who has yet to be subjected to the brutal reality of the corporate world and ladder climbing is entitled to do so. I was the happiest then - my outlook on life was still simple.

Hui was most definitely glad she's finally done with school - just because she hated it with a passion. And Accountancy and Finance are not exactly her cup of tea or forte - I wonder how much her BSc meant to her. I asked her what her dreams are, now that she has become part of the professional pack. She replied she had none. All this lil' sis of mine can think of is to be a good wife and mother and to remain at the lowest rank of the hierarchy at work. Career seemed to have no standing in her dreams or future plans. Maybe not just yet - I don't know.

I wonder what the young ones would be like. How they would turn out to be. Would they be like my generation - forever pursuing career, power, status and money - because of peer pressure and influences from our family? Or would they be less easily manipulated and instead pursue their passion or dreams and what they really believe in? I hope my young ones are the latter. And only time will tell.