I was lucky to have an interview with a famous international bank after graduation. I really appreciated this chance. So 1 spent a lot of time preparing very carefully I prepared for all the possible questions ahead. As a result, 1 got the job. While my classmates were still struggling to get a job, I had succeeded in getting one, which made me feel very proud of myself.

After one month of hard training, Today was my first day at work to show the results of the training. I got up as usual, but I decided to skip doing exercise as I did not want to take the risk of arriving at the office late on my first day. I went through my morning routine and spent a lot of time deciding what to wear. I definitely wanted to make a great impression right from the start. Finally, I settled on the white suit with a tie.

I waved to say goodbye to my mother and set off cheerfully towards the bus stop. But l Saw a bus leaving the stop just as I turned around the corner. Now I would have to wait for another 15 minutes, even though time was very precious. I stood there patiently. 15 minutes passed and then 30 minutes, and there was no sign of the bus. Now what could 1 do? I had to reach the office on time. I saw a motorcycle approaching, but as I tried to stop it, the driver sped on without even a glance. It was then that a car stopped near me and a man waved to me. He said, “Aren’t you working at the bank at Nariman Point? My office is in the same building. Can I give you a ride?”

I was uncertain at first but then forced myself to get in as I was going to be late. Gradually, I realized that we were not on the familiar route to my office. I asked the man to stop the car, but he did not listen to me and told me to shut up.

As a child I dreamed of becoming a scientist. I mapped my life out: I’d study neuroscience at a top university and proceed to do a master’s, a Ph. D., and a postdoc, all of which would somehow lead to a prosperous career. But it didn’t go quite as planned.

During the research part of my master’s degree, I found myself putting in 8 hours of work per day with little enthusiasm. I wasn’t ready to let go of my dream, however. I decided to apply to Ph. D. programs. After numerous rejections, I got accepted into a program in Zurich.

I was relieved, but I also doubted whether I was the right person for the job. Within 2 years, it became clear that I was failing to master the skills I needed, and I found the work no more satisfying than during my master’s. My mental health worsened. I would lie in bed wide awake for hours. I struggled with whether to quit: If I gave up, all the years I had devoted to academia would turn out a waste of time. Then a friend noticed my mental and physical exhaustion. “Is this you. George? ” he asked one day. After hearing those words, all of my hesitation about quitting disappeared. I resigned the next day.

It felt liberating to be honest with myself about a path that wasn't meant for me. Still, I needed to decide what to do next. I thought about a lecture I had recently attended. “If only we could get the general public to feel the awe (敬畏) that I’m feeling!” I remember thinking at the time. That got me wondering whether writing and communicating about science might be a good profession.

I looked around and came across exceptional news features in science magazines, written by individuals without a Ph. D. I began to think I could have a career writing about general science and the work of scientists and researchers.

I signed up for a feature writing course.

I feel as though I’m on the right path now, writing about public health.