“How could you finish them in just two month?”

“Just learn step by step every day.”

“Did you spend the whole day studying Japanese?” she went on.

“No. I have also reviewed my translation reference books and meanwhile finished two literary works. And also, I found a very insightful column writer on the Internet and pay consistent attention on his works. He is quite erudite and well informed…”

“How can you have so much time for all that things? I have not yet finished reading my novel for the graduation paper!”

“Have you enjoyed the novel?” I asked with curiosity.

With a deep sigh, she replied, “not much. It seems esoteric for me. In fact, it is suffering to read through it.”

“Then why you do choose this novel?” I felt puzzled.

“Coz it is suggested by my tutor!”

……

It somehow seems my friend fail to make full use of her time… Is that the truth?

Actually, I don’t mean to fancy myself as an industrious student with the comparison with my friend. In fact, she is also diligent in study for which her high GPA in every semester speaks everything. Nor do I level a satire at her disinterest in literary work. As a matter of fact, she is keen on reading fictions and usually has a unique perspective for poetical appreciation. So every time when she comes across her favorite, she just cannot help sharing her opinions. It appears that friends as caring listeners can be the only gift she wishes to get at that time. In this respect, many of us only play a role as appreciators for her convincible and original interpretations.

So here, I just want to point out a self-evident truth that “one swallow does not make a summer.” Many people tend to make a comparison with others in terms of academic record, work performance, life condition and the like. While in my eyes, as long as you do not idle away your time with endless gossip news or involve yourself with pointless disputes and conflicts, etc; in contrast, fill your time with things you are always desperate for, day after day, and you will deserve the life you aspire for. At least, you will get happiness around.

Do not judge other people from mere one respect. Likewise, do not conclude your life by comparing with others. Find what you are really dying for, then persist in moving onward. Life should not be as narrow as a blind alley as if you can achieve your life goal only by striving to meet the society’s standards for success.