I have always felt that “passion” is a really strong word. Who can actually feel something so strongly to do something? According to dictionary.com, there are quite a few different definitions for passion but the following definitions are that that I am discussing for my context, as quoted from dictionary.com, passion is:

“1. any powerful or compelling emotion or feeling, as love or hate.

2. a strong or extravagant fondness, enthusiasm, or desire for anything”

Being untalented in most things, I am extremely surprised to know and feel when I actually developed a passion for baking.

Like many other things, I weren’t successful at all ( no shame 😔 ). I was really bad at sport, and the only things I can excel in is at academics. Even in my co-curricular activities ( CCA ), symphonic band then in secondary school, I definitely didn’t excel in being a tubist although my hard work and diligence were definitely recognized.

But here comes the difference. When I failed in baking, I feel an inner sense of motivation to improve myself and succeed. Even should I succeed, with my friends and family acknowledging my success, I want to continuously improve myself and never give up. 😊 I will always be thinking about what I to bake next, how am I going to improve my skill of baking.

Even with limited time now during my service as a full time National Serviceman ( NSF ), leading to me having a really short two days during the weekends to catch up with my hobby, I am going to use this time wisely to dedicate a huge portion of it into baking ( and now, this blog!) . This is simply because I don’t want to stop progressing. I can’t wait to keep improving and mastering this skill.

Time waits for no one!

Yet this passion might actually be harmful. It plunged me into a career dilemma in choosing between something unconventional, and something that I know will definitely provide me with security.

Today, I am going to post the two images that I captured of my acknowledged essay on my passion of baking in a writing competition.

This writing competition was organized by the Think, Write Learning Centre in conjunction with SG50 to provide a glimpse into the next chapter of Singapore’s narrative. It is a writing competition for the youth of Singaporeans with a five topic questions provided. The one I have selected is ” What do you value most? “.

I am definitely not the perfect writer, scoring a C in my General Paper in JC2 and also scoring a B during my O Levels. English was never my strongest subject.

However, when I actually write about something I enjoy, it suddenly comes naturally to me. I do not need any extra effort because I am writing from my heart.

In this essay, I have expressed my struggles deciding my future career path between the mainstream jobs in the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) careers that are possibly more lucrative and secure and also baking (because of my passion).

Witnessing the rapid rise and fall ( turnover rates ) of cafes in neighbourhood areas that I frequented, I am extremely worried about my personal success should I choose the path of being a baker.

So why have I started this blog? Another reason is because this is my first step out of inertia. I have decided to give this career path a try even though I am an amateur baker who is only here because of my hobby. I am NOT going to give up without even trying in the first place.

Without further ado, here is my essay ( two images ).

Being in a pragmatic society where many people choose to pursue conventional careers that can possibly secure a “better” future, I won’t deny that I am not influenced by the mindset. Starting out a baker can be very challenging.

Currently, having four years of university and one year in National Service still ahead of me, I have ample time to think. A compromise between passion and reality that I can think of is probably that I work a mainstream career ( that I still enjoy of course ), while keeping baking as a hobby. There are endless possibilities afterall and I will consider my choices thoroughly and decisively.

Also, for all the NSFs of Singapore out there or people having the same situation, don’t give up on your hobbies during NS! Take this time while you’re in NS and having not as much academic pressures ( unless you’re retaking examinations or taking up new tests ), to develop a new skill or a continue to nurture your hobby! Do what you enjoy and explore skills that you have always wanted to pick up! Just so that you know, I can always help with baking 😝.

I always believe that every step counts, and here is my first baby step. May more steps progress me towards a happier me! 😺

From,
– Bakeomaniac, Javier!