As much as I like to shake my fist at the Fates, I'm also deeply aware that I'm just avoiding the issue. I know that I know the answer already, but I refuse to acknowledge this, out of fear, out of laziness, or some reason like that. This brings me to this week's proverb: You are your wisest adviser.
Let's wind the clock back to my first year in college. That's the fourth year I'd spent in the United States, and still I found it tough trying to blend into the academic and social life of a U.S. college. When I went back to Japan that winter, I told my mom that I wanted to quit. She didn't say anything, though. Perhaps she had that proverb in mind.
Obviously, a part of me was insisting that it was too difficult. I was getting Cs and Ds in everything, and I couldn't see any way out. I also was very shy and I couldn't carry on a conversation with the other students. I was miserable and I hated myself for not being able to improve the situation.
In the end, with no advice forthcoming from my family back in Japan, I had to make the decision myself, and I was led by a small voice inside me that said, "Stay!" Now I'm grateful that my mother didn't tell me what she thought I should do. If she had, I'm sure it would have influenced my decision and stopped me from confronting what was really going on inside me.
Of course, that's not to say you should go around ignoring everyone's advice. That's definitely not a good idea. Even the wisest adviser is open to new ideas. Listening is important, but you have to realize any decision you make is ultimately your responsibility, no matter how uncomfortable that may be.
Q1 Why did Kana want to quit college?
A1) Because the canteen served bad food.
A2) Because she wasn't interested in literature.
A3) Because she was having difficulties keeping up with her classes and school life.
正解： A3) Because she was having difficulties keeping up with her classes and school life.
Q2 "You are your wisest adviser," but you should:
A1) Ignore what others tell you to do.
A2) Be open to advice from others.
A3) Not take the responsibility for making decisions on your own.
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