The hard decision
I was once strongly advised not to join CCAs in university.
I was told they didn’t add much, and that stepping away — even after committing — would be the wiser choice.
On the surface, it sounded reasonable.
But what wasn’t visible was my history.
I never really had a proper chance before.
Earlier schools were inconsistent.
In poly, I wasn’t even allowed to have one.
University felt like my last opportunity to fully commit to something outside academics — to test who I could become if I actually tried.
When I hesitated, the advice became blunt:
Can reject or not? Just step away.
But something in me resisted.
Not rebellion — responsibility.
Because once people, professors, and teams are involved, walking away casually isn’t just a personal decision. It affects others. Ghosting commitments felt fundamentally wrong to me.
So for one of the rare times in my life, I chose not to comply.
Paradoxically, I think that decision protected both of us.
If I had followed advice against my own conviction, I might have quietly carried resentment for years. By owning the decision myself, I removed blame from anyone else.
I stayed.
I committed.
I did my best — initially just for fun, and honestly to avoid lifelong regret.
What followed surprised even me: leadership roles, impact on students, institutional collaborations, and opportunities I never planned for.
But the real lesson wasn’t achievement.
It was psychological.
Sometimes the most responsible thing you can do is listen sincerely… and still choose your own path — because you are the one who must live with its consequences.
And sometimes growth begins the moment you realize autonomy isn’t disobedience.
It’s accountability.
Reflecting on my university experience, I realize that joining and committing to a Co-Curricular Activity (CCA) wasn't just about boosting my CV or filling up my free time—it was a journey of personal transformation. Many people often overlook the value of CCAs, especially when academic pressures are high. However, through my time juggling leadership roles, teamwork, collaborations, and studies, I found that these experiences offered lessons no textbook could teach. One particular highlight was earning recognition from a prestigious global engineering institution while managing my commitments—this didn't come easy or by chance. It required persistent effort, time management, and an unwavering sense of responsibility. In hindsight, I see how honoring commitments, even when tempted to step away, defined my character and opened doors to new opportunities that I never initially imagined. From my journey, I learned that autonomy in decision-making is not about defiance but about accountability—to yourself and to the people who rely on you. The initial advice I received to avoid CCAs might seem practical, yet it didn’t consider the psychological benefits and leadership development I gained. These experiences enhanced my confidence, time management, and interpersonal skills, preparing me for professional challenges beyond university. For students grappling with similar choices, I’d say this: consider your personal history and values before making decisions that might affect you and others. Sometimes, staying committed despite external doubts can lead to profound growth and unexpected achievements. Your path might not be the easiest, but it could be the most rewarding. If balancing multiple roles feels daunting, remember it’s part of the growth process. Seek support, plan effectively, and embrace challenges as they come. The journey through leadership roles and collaborative projects can shape your identity, equip you with essential life skills, and give you a sense of fulfillment that academic success alone might not provide.
