Often I’d be at scenic places, with an R&B song on, and the mood is just right. I would feel immersed with the view. That’s how I was in awed by New York City: Just being at Gantry Plaza at night with a Frank Ocean song on.

I’d think in that moment: Wow, if only I can remember this forever. I pulled my phone out and tried to capture the moment and it dawned upon me: The camera couldn’t capture this. There was a stark difference between the view I was seeing and that of the photo I took.

I realized it was because of the position of my view, and the field of view of my eyes instead of the flat-lens surface of the phone. If money wasn’t an issue, I would like to propose a contact lens that has photographic feature.

1. A smart phone
2. A PVC case to put his pens & pencils and other tools in
3. A notebook/journal
4. A measuring tape
5. Some sort of addictive substance
6. A water bottle
7. A pair of headphones (Airpods are too corporate)
8. A mini-color swatch
9. A wallet
10. An USB
11. A Tide Pen
12. A fidgeting toy (Kmart Eggs are cute)
13. A portable charger
14. A pair of glasses (and its accompanying case that’s not the original one because all original cases are ugly)
15. Most importantly, a tote bag (nylon, zippered, protected)

“Everyone’s a narcissist” – Jerry Saltz.

I have never related to a statement more than this: It is one hell of an opener. This statement, combined with Lesson 33, reinforced an idea which had been inherent in my mind: I am a genius. Not in a condescending way, “I am a genius” serves to reassure myself; that I’m the protagonist of my own story and the people around me are just living in it. I think this sense of self confidence, with a slight nonchalance yet self-awareness, is an important essence to have for an individual. This is especially important considering the world of super interconnectivity and opinions we currently live in. That is why Kanye West is one of my personal idols: His recent rants, comments and philosophies are controversial, borderline insane yet one can’t deny that he lives by his ideals and what he believes in. He’s the protagonist of his story! (Plus his music is great, Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy is a top 10 album of all time. Don’t @ me.)

Everyone’s a star of their own show however, so while we practice this self-confident mentality, we have to respect others’ stories and how they interact with ours. Because like it or not, our stories intersect and share the same world. Everything is great in moderation.

Lesson 20, 21 and 22 struck home for me: As a person studying at a business school and majoring in Accounting, I struggle to choose between the “logical” career which may provide more security and what I am interested in. There is no denying that I love the arts, music and cultures. I am lucky to be in a position where I am able to even have the choice to pursue either path: My parents who sacrificed a lot for me didn’t have those options when they were at my age. There is a sense of filial duty: Giving back for their hard work. I really need to define my own sense of success, per Lesson 21, and apply it to my own life.