Hello all,
On 17 October 2019, my mentor gave me one of the most basic advice. Her words seemed like common sense and I berated myself for not thinking of it earlier. She told me to start a blog to put my thoughts and ideas into words. It was amazing, really. Something I had always wanted to do but always having no reason for it. Now I had a reason. As an Engineering major, many would frown in confusion as to why I would start something that is not Engineering-ish. All those questions regarding my choice of major and my decision to continue my studies would overwhelm me. Why? I have no answers because I also do not know why. And it frustrates me to no end.
I love politics and I love learning about the world, be it past, present or future. Watching historical documentaries and listening to political podcasts remain to be my favorite pastimes as a young student. My mother never really understood my interests because my choice of subjects in school and my hobbies were like parallel lines. They never met and there was no common point of intersection. I studied all three Sciences and took double Mathematics in my teen years. After studying religiously and doing well in pre-university, I headed to college for my Engineering degree. All through the years, my passion in current affairs never died and I guess that served as a sign because I could not see myself working in the Engineering sector. I like learning Science and studying it was much easier than writing essays. But, in a manner of speaking, I would say that I did not like applying the concepts back into the working world. Because for me, there was no conceivable and tangible impact that I could see. Then, this question comes back again: Why did I choose it and why am I continuing it? Again, I have nothing to say.
In many ways, this dilemma cost me so many months of confusion and I struggled with identity crisis, especially during the stressful transition period into university. Fortunately, I am glad to say that I have come to terms with it and this has made me make better decisions thus far. My internship choices have leaned more towards international relations, instead of my past three engineering internships. I am also hoping to take more Political Science and Global Studies modules for my elective modules. I would definitely say that having an Engineering background does not put you at a disadvantage compared to your peers who are majoring in it. Because an engineering degree is in demand everywhere. At least that is what all my countless number of interviewers mentioned. My career advisor also urged me to continue pursuing my course because many sectors welcome ‘Engineering thinking’ and appreciates diversity in their organisations. This could potentially be one of the reasons why I am staying in it.
This blog marks the start of my writing journey. I am not a professional writer and may not meet the prowess of a trained one. This journey will serve to be a learning curve for me and I hope to improve my writing skills as well. Understand that my arguments and thoughts are that of an observer in the political world and that it is not possible to consider all angles of thinking. I would like to make a disclaimer that all the works are the makeup of my opinions and that one should not take my words as facts.
My work will consist of analysis into key personalities and politics of the world. I will cover figures from the past and present while also highlighting those who may potentially become an influential individual in the near future. Conspicuous hallmarks of history and momentous events of the past will also be discussed. In light of that, my posts will also not be strictly constrained to political critique and may include social issues and other topics deemed appropriate.
Wish me luck in my endeavour and may you also benefit from it all.
Best wishes,
F.S.
Personalities and Politics 