You don't own me

I may be your daughter, and you're my parents, but that doesn't mean you can control all my decisions.

Who was it in the first place who said that Council was my decision, not yours? It was you. So, I applied for it. That was my decision.

Now, I'm withdrawing my application. I want to withdraw so that I can concentrate on just studies and canoeing. And all the sh*t in life. Then, here you are, saying that I'm not allowed to do so.

This is my decision. I chose to apply. I chose to withdraw. You even said so at the start. So why are you going against your own words?

Yes, you say it's for my own good. I'm taking a huge risk in life - having no backing in terms of portfolio. Please, am I that shallow to you? Do you think I really treasure portfolio and stuff like that right now? I've changed, and I believe it's for the better. I have other priorities in life now. Not like how I was last time. People change. So why can't you accept mine?

Yes, in WGPS, I was class monitor for three years and a prefect for another three years. Not to mention Assistant Head Prefect. That was last time. I wanted my name on the hall of fame in school. I wanted a beautiful record. And blinded by that, I turned out to be a b*tch in school. I never realised that.

I want to change. I am changing. I know I'm not Captain or Vice-Captain of Canoeing. I'm a QM. But that doesn't mean I suck or anything else. I still have plenty of chances in life. Maybe my portfolio may not be as pretty as you want it to be, but do I really care? NO. I just want to live life to the fullest, and that is certainly not by having plenty of records.

BECAUSE, IN THE END, NO ONE WILL REMEMBER YOUR PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENTS.

Yes, my chances of getting a scholarship will be lesser of that of Wang Wei's since she's the Vice-Captain. Wang Wei is higher in rank than me. And you don't want that to happen.

HELLO? I'm alright with that. I don't need to be the top. You are the one who wants me to be at the top. Why? Because you weren't. I'm sorry that you were unable to do so, but that doesn't mean I shall realise your dream on behalf of you.

I don't need to be in the best universities or jobs. That's never the most important. It's the journey in life. But to you, life is just about working, earning money, rising in financial status, making sure people view you as the "high class" quality. Isn't that materialistic? Is that your aim in life? Oh yes, and you want to have a money-filled retirement.

Did I say I'm not going to give you money? I will, don't worry. But not till the extent that you're going to the casinos everyday. I will give you enough for your lives to be happy. To me, it may seem happy. To people with your thinking, maybe not.

So, your point is that you want me in Council so that in the end, you can lead a money-filled life. I don't want to be in Council anymore. I want to focus on canoeing. I want to get the title next year. Or this year, even. But you want me in Council. You say that I should try. But do you know that I have to stay like that till the end of JH4? Do you know how hectic life will be? I have enough on my hands now, I don't need an additional responsibility. In this case, BURDEN.

Ultimately, it's my decision. I want to withdraw. I don't want to be in Council. You are the one who wants me in Council. So, you won't let me leave. I can still lead a good life without being in JrC, you know. Not the best, but I'm happy. Too, being in Council doesn't mean I will have a good life.

I really want the B Div Title next year. Really. It will help, to me. But not to you. You don't own me. I make my decision right here, right now.

It's my choice.
Accept the fact that your daughter is old enough to make some decisions herself.
Accept the fact that you have to learn to listen to her heart.
Accept that you are not always in the right.
Accept the fact that you need to learn to admit to your mistakes, even to a child.
Accept that your daughter's wishes.

I wish to give my all in Canoeing. It can still build my portfolio, just not the same way you want it to be like. I'm still a leader. But not in your eyes.

But never mind.

Once a Canoeist, Always a Canoeist.

I shall go where my heart desires. Because that's the best for me. Truly, it's the best.

I believe. In myself. Even if you don't believe in me.

It's  your  my life. Not  mine  yours.