Ethan Xiao
A tranquil taste of the breath of life.
As an avid human, hydration is one of the most important needs to fulfill. Ranking in the first tier among Maslow's hierarchy of needs, water sits alongside food and shelter. However, there are many drinks to hydrate oneself with, and an aquatic dilemma arises. Do I reach for the mouth sizzling cola, a classic diner drink that balances flavors of sweet and sour? Or perhaps the various fruit juices that are tangy yet naturally sweet? Or maybe even the electrolyte refilling Gatorade that powers many athletes? While all excellent choices in their own regard, I’d have to pick the classic–the legendary–H2O.
Water refreshes the mind and the soul.
Most people would find my answer obvious, cliche even. But when that crystal clear liquid, chilled to perfection, graces one's thirsty taste buds, not even skeptics can disagree. While drinking water itself isn’t anything special, I have a rule of only drinking water over other beverages. My reason for this rule is simple: health. For example, while the aforementioned drinks hydrate, they also contain high amounts of sugar. Most customers pay attention to their food consumption, but not their drink consumption, much like how students pay attention to one aspect of their education–achieving high marks in class–yet neglect true curiosity. Being an elective, Romanticism was not initially my focus. Slowly, I realized throughout the course that I could apply what I learned in different contexts.
The strongest capability of water lies in its untouchable course.
At the same time, I choose to drink water because it’s efficient. Spending time deciding at a self-serve drink station wastes time, because ultimately the choice is insignificant. That’s why I prepare myself with the pre-selected choice of water, distancing myself from unnecessary steps. In fencing, the same quality applies. I cannot afford to choose whether to counterattack or to parry because I only have a split second to react. Instead I practice my actions countless times beforehand and build my muscle memory so that I am ready on the fencing strip. Maybe that’s why I am successful; the battle I fight is not during the competition, but before. By taking my training seriously, my passion for the sport grows, and the world of fencing culminates in a way where I can control my own athletic fate.
The magnificence of water lies in its limitless appearances.
I drink water everyday, a fact that will never change. Over time, however, my knowledge of water has. Absurd, right? What could there possibly be to learn about water? Well, in biology, I learned that all living things contain water; in fact, humans are sixty percent water. In chemistry, I learned that the chemical composition of water is hydrogen and oxygen. In environmental science I learn that water is a precious resource. Even water, an object that humans interact with from morning to night, has so much to be learned about. I realize that there is so much more I have yet to learn, and my thirst for knowledge grows.
A single drop of water fades into a still lake.
I don’t have a predetermined choice for what I want to become in the future. Unlike water, I’m still deciding which path I want to take with my life. Only this time, it's not unnecessary; it’s not a waste of time. This time, with discipline in my mind, curiosity in my soul, and excitement in my heart, I will encounter many fields of study and sources of knowledge. And one day, after I’ve had a taste of them all, I’ll find my one and only invaluable water.