In my senior year of high school, I was enrolled in a language arts class called “Perspective,” exclusive to seniors. One day, just before the pandemic lockdown, our teacher gave us a speech that I’ll never forget. He said, “Maybe this is the last of school ever for you, but for the rest of your life, have these two things: passion & curiosity.”

At the time, I didn’t fully grasp the depth of that advice. It wasn’t until I entered college that I encountered true curiosity and passion. Self-learning became one of the most important skills I developed, and it was curiosity that sparked that growth.

As children, curiosity came naturally to us. We were driven by excitement for the things we were passionate about. Sadly, that ability fades for many of us as we grow older, especially as we’re forced to study subjects we aren’t curious about.

Learning shouldn’t feel like a chore

For many, traditional schooling feels like a chore. Graduating often feels like the end of learning, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Learning isn’t confined to a classroom—it’s an ongoing process that happens in every corner of life.

Higher education may not be for everyone, but not learning is simply not an option. Because not learning is as slow as dying.Learning is what keeps life vibrant. It helps us evolve, adapt, and make sense of the world around us.

In fact, most of us will spend much more time outside of formal education than within it. That’s why it’s important to cultivate a mindset of lifelong learning.

What you should become is a lifelong learner and a curious individual.

Become curious about the things you are passionate about and the world around you because that’s how ideas are created.

Just because you graduate doesn’t mean your learning stops there. Be better than that. Embrace learning new things.

Curiosity will bring you an open-minded approach to life, which is a great thing.

Go into the world, learn new languages, try new food, and learn about different cultures.

If you only listen to one genre of music, try different ones.

You don’t have to do any of this; you have free will in this life. But imagine what your life would look like if you opened up to the world.

Life is about stories and narratives. Don’t you want a great story?

I am not certain about many things in this life, but I know for sure a life full of learning and interests is a life worth living.

you don’t have to be a genius

For a long time, I believed that I had to be a prodigy to excel at anything new. I held myself back from learning things like coding, guitar, or chess, because I didn’t think I was “naturally talented.” I compared myself to the likes of Magnus Carlsen, the chess grandmaster, thinking if I wasn’t as good as him, it wasn’t worth trying.

Even though It’s true that there are people who are geniuses and naturally gifted in each field, but they are the one percent, the one in a million. But the truth is, you don’t need to be a genius to contribute meaningfully to the world. Most people who excel in a field aren’t prodigies—they’re people who followed their interests with passion and curiosity.

Contribute Your Learning to the World

Austin Kleon, in his book Show Your Work!, introduces the idea of “scenius,” the notion that creativity is often a collective effort. Great ideas are born from a group of passionate and curious minds working together, not just from individual geniuses.

Think of it like adding strokes of paint to a canvas—each small contribution builds up to create a beautiful, complete work of art. You don’t have to do everything from scratch. You just need to follow your interests and let curiosity guide you. Learn what you need to learn, and share that learning with the world.

I really resonate with the idea of a “scenius” because it relieves the pressure for the average person of being a prodigy pianist or a wizard programmer and having to figure everything out all by myself. All you need to do is follow your interests and see where they take you.

In pursuing what you’re naturally drawn to, you’ll find your unique path. Talent is a combination of passion and curiosity, revealed over time as you immerse yourself in what interests you.

So go out, explore, learn, apply, and share with the world.

Follow your heart and trust the process. There’s a reason it gravitates toward those interests.

it’s guiding you toward something meaningful, so trust in that voice.