We are all learning 3six5 days a year.
The Untold True Story of Us All...
Go to school. Study hard. Get good grades. Graduate and go to college. Become a doctor. Become an engineer. Become a lawyer.
Attending school, achieving academic excellence, and embarking on a prestigious career constituted the well-trodden path that many hardworking parents envision for their children. Let's be clear. There is NOTHING wrong with this. We all want the best and we all deserve the best. However, this trajectory resembles following the yellow brick road, only to realize one day that the fabled destination of Oz did not resonate with true aspirations.
During my formative years, my heart found solace in creative outlets such as drawing, singing, acting, and dancing – channels of self-expression that elicited profound joy within me. I wanted to become a superstar! Not to mention, astronomy captivated my imagination, nurturing dreams of venturing into space as an astronaut. What child hasn't dreamed about going into outer space?! Sounds a bit all over the place? Truth be told, as young children, our hearts and imaginations were limitless aspirations fueled by genuine interests and curiosity. Every corner of our surroundings held potential for adventure, and every question was a gateway to a new discovery.
As we grew older, life’s experiences began to shape those dreams, adding layers of complexity and depth. As anticipated, I completed high school with a 4.0 GPA and pursued studies in Animal Physiology and Neuroscience at a university. After four years, I reached a pivotal moment. Was a career in medicine truly my calling? Did I possess the necessary qualities for it? What were my true aspirations? Was it too soon for a midlife crisis? Had I simply followed family and societal norms? What steps should I take next?
So began the years of trying various career paths and always having the looming feeling as if something was missing. I regretted not having access to the guidance and knowledge that could have unlocked numerous opportunities and experiences previously unknown to me. For instance, I was unaware of the diverse specialties within the medical field that cater to various industries. The idea of a career as a medical doctor at NASA had never occurred to me before. You mean I could've combined my university studies with my childhood dreams? The fusion of medicine and space exploration seemed almost poetic. Helping to ensure the health and safety of astronauts, who were pushing the boundaries of human knowledge and exploration, would be a noble and exhilarating endeavor. It was a path that would not have only catered to my academic interests, but also aligned perfectly with the dreams of my younger self, who would spend hours gazing at the stars through a telescope, wondering what it would be like to be among them. Regrettably, I missed out on that chance in my career journey.
This brings us to the present day. 3six5 Learning was established with the core principle that young individuals should have access to every opportunity to learn and explore the world. Both educational and career trajectories present boundless possibilities, underscoring the importance of aiding students in uncovering their unique paths. Curiosity should be nurtured and innovative thinking is encouraged. By leveraging technology and fostering a community of passionate educators, 3six5 Learning aims to break down traditional barriers to education and career readiness.
Christine Ma
Founder of 3six5 Learning