Is showing your true color to the world risky? On October 30th 2014, a man did one thing that can be considered as one of the most powerful acts to date. Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple, declared in the letter he published, ‘’I am proud to be gay, and I consider being gay among the greatest gifts God has given me.’’ It takes great courage for someone with social status like Cook to do so. Stockowners of Apple might put the blame on him, if the price of their stock collapses due to Apple’s potential declining sales figure in the Middle East. Or even all over the world as a result of Cook’s ‘’provoking’’ letter to homophobes. I am sure Tim Cook, as a public figure, understands all the possible consequences before he sent out the message via mass media. However, he did not draw back. Is it not pathetic if we cannot show the world our true identities and live our lives as we please? If we conceal ourselves in the dark fearing that others might have an ‘’opinion’’ on us, we are likely to suffer. Years later, we might look back on our past regretfully on account of the opportunities we could have seized, the love we missed and the viewpoints of no importance but we desperately cared. Many have such perspective on life, that is:’’ You only visit Cactus when it is bearing fruit.’’ Thus, we are hesitant about alternations, improvement and facing our inner selves but what is the worst that it can be? The risk of being judge, or the chance of living the rest of our life with regret and fear? As the saying goes, ‘’ Those who care do not matter, these who matters do not care.’’ Maybe it is time for you to speak up for yourself and those who will be inspired by you.

Travel as Backpackers For the freedom of decision, pace and time arrangement, I am a huge fan of backpack traveling. So far, I had already been to Spain, France, Belgium, China, Singapore and Malaysia. With the right companionship, you will be able to discover cultures from different viewpoints and come home with extraordinary stories. However, the journey will be as enjoyable even if you are alone, for being able to build a connection between you and your inner self. That being so, backpack traveling is definitely something that will leave you with lifelong memories. Nevertheless, safety and take good care of oneself are surely vital to backpackers. Hence, if you have no experience traveling as a backpacker, do not try it alone. ---------------------------------------- If I want to say something like '' experience cultural discovering,what is the better way of writing that?

Those who are too lucky I decided to help kids from family at risks on their studies for my service learning course. Notorious for keeping a stern face and an abnormal sense of dark humor, most people find it difficult to believe that I am willing to spend time with children. Believe or not, I found it rare as well. While everyone thinks that I am doing them a favor, what they do not understand is how much I learned from these kids. I have the personality that makes me seem unapproachable. The fact is, I am indeed unsocial most of the time. However, the children melt my heart with genuine smile, trust and optimism. They are nothing like you and me. Most of them suffered genuine hardship in childhood both physically and psychologically. They might have experienced starved, abused, neglected, bullied or even raped. In their cases, poverty is no longer the worst. Mass media nowadays created an allusion which makes most of us feel poor and unfortunate for not owning a private jet, Hermes bag or a Porch car. Yet, how many of us would stop self-pitting? When will we realize how fortunate we are that we can receive education, live in fine environment and bathe in love from our family? How many of us would stop whining about not having an iPhone 6 and think about those who do not even have the money to buy a slice of bread? We belong to those who are too lucky, too wealthy and too greedy.

Princesses? I was watching Cartoons from Disney while having dinner few days ago. A thought struck me, why do girls need to act like princesses to be appreciated? Their lives seemed anything but fun to me. A princess is usually slim, gentle, with tutus and makeup on. A princess is usually rescued, protected and would leave everything behind just for that one guy or, I should say, that very one bet. Yet, what is the exact definition of pretty? What are we trying to teach little girls or even women in all these stories? To me, it is chauvinism. From the three virgin goddess, Disney princess, modern princess in Europe to Amal Alamuddin, no one cares about their contribution to the society but their wardrobe or body figure. For example, Amal Almuddin, too many of us consider her as ‘’the lucky girl’’ that George Clooney put a ring on. However, if our society would value knowledge, profession, contribution over fame, brand-name suits and sexy smiles, we might realize that George Clooney is actually the one that is blessed. How many girls would stop and actually realize that they are chauvinists themselves? Would not life be much easier and happier if girls are the queens of their own?