"Don't Pay Attention to the Things You Can't Control"

Topic: Friendship that Changed My Life

by Richard Ho

The friendship between Jahren and Billy is unique one. Especially for Jahren, who finds herself unable to trust or rely on anyone in her profession because she’s such an unconventional figure; almost as if she’s a unicorn, a mystical creature that only exists in fairytales. Bill enabled Jahren to have an outlet to share her discoveries, secrets, and ultimately success with. Without Bill, friendship could have only been a privilege that Hope Jahren can only dream of obtaining, but could never have.

Furthermore, I believe that friendship is built upon two individuals that share a similar mindset or similar personalities or style. By the same token, I believe that Bill may also be a maverick as well, judging from his lack of social interaction and his family background. Both Bill and Hope share a very similar childhood that shaped them into the individuals they are, it was this that drew the two together, and their passion of their work, binding them closer than ever.

I too, found friends that shared the same belief and similar traits in our personalities. In addition, to “likes attract likes”, I also believe that healthy competition between friends is always beneficial to the personal growth of both individuals. Only through conflict can one be pushed towards one’s limits and achieve greatness. Competitors are essentially role models. However, contrary to the belief of becoming one’s role model, the concept of competitions is to surpass one’s competitor.

I learned a lot from my friends/friendly competitors. Amongst these valuable lessons, the one I took with me is the idea of not worrying about the thing I can’t control. This idea is often easily said than done. Yet, the statement holds its value, because it is very true. Why worry about something that went wrong in the past? Instead, why doesn't one try to direct his/her attention to the present, to change the future.