You know, I often have arguements with Teachers down to the most trivial things, and sometimes they happen more regularly then other times. But it’s only dawned on me, that the reason I do as such is probably because I suffer from Asperger’s Syndrome (AS). I mean anything, I can’t process as logical, I pretty much won’t do it, because it doesn’t make sense, and that’s a trait found among AS as well as Autism in general. That’s one of the major things which cause the confliction as I continue using the question “Why?” trying to make sense of the request given… but I just can’t.

For example, this is what occurred. We were suppose to make logon scripts using only DOS Coding, so batch commands, etc. I got mine to do all which was requested in less lines of code using the GOTO command, my teacher didn’t want me to use GOTO, I asked Why? He simply replied because everyone else uses it, that’s why. So we got into more of an arguement, until I replied whatever and did something complete different when he went.

I guess it’s true it’s a curse as much as it is a gift. My only problem is it conflicts with my other mental disorder, Cyclothymia which in turn causes me to go into a depressive state straight afterwards the fight/confliction, as I’m feeling now. I’m not trying to gather pity as much as keep this as a note.

I’ve decided to remake this as my home and journal. I’ve wanted to post things, but the limitations of previous journals I have used socially are just too..Eh, un-beneficial to me.

You know, as I’ve grown up, I’ve always reflected on what I want to be, and not only what I “want” to be, but what I see myself retiring as. Something which grows with me, instead of me outgrowing it. Something I can really contribute to and look back and say “I’ve done all I can”.

After so many years, considering and deciding, I have ultimately come to a conclusion. What’s this you say? I have decided for the following things to happen:

Finish off my IT Degree in Network Engineering at TAFE

While, I don’t see myself really wanting or entirely interested in this field, it does provide financial stability if you know where to look. The entire reason, I did this course was that I’d have qualifications to fall back on if my plan fails.

Learn Mandarin and Retry for entry to USyd

What can I say? My initial entry marks for University from the HSC weren’t promising, I failed to get into the course I wanted. Will this prevent me from getting in? Hell no, I and every History teacher I had realised I had potential and it’ll take more then that to keep me from getting in. My marks which were relevant to a Bachelors Degree of Arts were all rather high, but gotta love scaling and the flawed HSC System.

So I’ll be doing the University Preparation course, which you can do a course such as Ancient History, which I will do, and ace, I know I will, and use the end-result — a certificate to enter University with. However, since the preparation course is part-time, I’ve decided to learn Chinese, the Mandarin Dialect, to further my career goals as you’ll see below.

Do a Bachelors Degree of Arts, Majoring in Politics, Modern History (China), and Archaeology at USyd

Anybody who knows me well, knows my intense love for History and all related fields, be it Politics, Religion or else. It’s been my dream to have a History-related career, and I’ve tried my best to follow it as close as possible. Hell, I even did projects/assignments when I was in primary school for things I didn’t need to do, that’s dedication.

The problem is my love for History is so big, that it’s so generalized. I haven’t narrowed down on any particular area/scope, and if you look at my personal library it’s obvious. I love everything from the creation of civilizations in the Mesopotamia and Middle-East such as the Sumerians, Babylonians and Assyrians to Weimar Germany and Modern China (1850-Present) to name but a few favourites. But I’ve finally settled on Chinese History, as to me, China is fascinating from the founding of the first dynasty, to the Three Kingdom periods, to today’s Semi-Market Communist regime.

Perhaps go on to a Masters or PHD at USyd

As the years progress, this looks less likely, however it’s not off the table yet. Given the opportunity, I would most likely jump at the chance to progress beyond a Bachelors Degree.

Teach English in China or Taiwan using my Bachelors Degree via the AAC Program or another way

I feel this is important, not only would I be putting my new-found Chinese speaking skills to the test, but I’d be experiencing the culture first hand. Not only would this be beneficial for my career (See next), but it’d be a fantastic experience.

So after all these points, where are you heading, Brett? What will be your final destination? Network Engineer in China/Taiwan? Archaeologist? Historian? Your kidding, you�re not going to actually…

Do the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs Graduate Trainee Program

While it might not be exactly the same when I get around to doing it, I don’t think it’ll be far different. DFAT has had a similar project running since the 30’s, under names such as the “Diplomatic Cadet Scheme”. After reading a book by an Ex-Secretary of DFAT, it’s sparked my interest in gaining a job with the government agency. Not only would I be in politics and watch as history takes place at a closer field, but I’m sure with the ability to speak Chinese and the fact that I’d have lived in China/Taiwan for a few years, I’d be used as a diplomat in China which would be fantastic.

Overall, this is my plan for the future. While it’s not too different from previous versions, this is it finely chiselled and as accurate as possible when I’m ready to do it.