Letter of reply

8 Sept 96

Dear James,

I am glad to receive your letter, telling me about your school life in university. I am very delighted that your rock and roll band is successful, earning a lot of money. I always wonder why you have such talent but I haven't. Your parents' worries are expected. Now, I want to share my opinion with you , and help you face this dilemma.

Undoubtedly,  life in university is more flexible than that of a secondary school. You can do whatever you want to during your free time. Many undergraduates join some clubs, such as the astronomy club, and drama club based on their interests. If they don't want to join any clubs, they can enjoy the facilities, including tennis courts and basketball courts, provided by the universities. Some of them may even be the committee members of the student union and other societies. As far as I know, some of them may also make up a band as you and your schoolmates did. It is precious that you can find someone sharing the same interest. Therefore, I think that there is no reason for you not going on with your band.

Although I am still a secondary school student, I am now a member of the Hong Kong Astronomy Society. I have got many things to do in my school including the duties of being a member of the prefect team, and extra curricular activities, let alone piles  of homework but I am still spending my leisure time on observing the heavens with the other members of the astronomy society. I don't feel like  stopping observing the stars at night  because I like them.

Being a student, the primary goal for us is to study. Our parents not only spend large amount of money on us but also hope we will  have better future just because they love us. There is no reason for us to abandon our studies.

Recently, the economy of the world has been  deteriorating. Finding a job has become very difficult. There is an increasing number of graduates who cannot find a good job. Therefore, the only way to ensure our opportunity to find a good job in the future is to possess a higher qualification with good professional skills.

As you know, the income for  being an artist is not stable. Although your band is very popular at this moment, earning a lot of money, one day, people will change their interest to another band so  your band cannot be the favorite of the people forever. The life of an artist is not long so that you should plan for the future after retirement. At that time, you may find that it is difficult for you to find a new job as you just have the knowledge of music.

You should go on with your studies at  the university but you can still be a member of your band. You can play music with your partners during the leisure hours.

All in all, you should know what is important in life and the responsibilities of being a student and the son of your parents. There is no conflict for you to be both a rock and roll band member and a student at  university if you can allocate time well.

James, make  a wise choice.

Love,

Chris.