Global Q&A: ‘What important things have you changed your mind about?’

Lund, Sweden

Cecilia, Holm, 36, Swimming Coach, Company Owner

I have traveled a lot in my life, but this is something I noticed and I thought about every time I come home from a trip abroad. I noticed that I took it for granted, to have fresh and clean water in the kitchen and to have warm water in the shower. Every time you come home from a trip you begin to think about those small things in life that you take for granted when you live here in Sweden.

Dubai, Arab United Emirates

Arshya Taneja, 17, Student

I wanted to go abroad, but my parents wanted me to stay here. So eventually I saw their point of view for me to go to university in Dubai. And I changed my mind because I felt that I will gain more maturity and gain more independence with my parents by my side. Also, I will get to experience the first year of university with my parents.

Wellington, New Zealand

Kim Proffit, 30, Teacher

I decided not to do my masters after my honors. Instead I went to Japan and taught English in a small village. It was an amazing decision; and I can do my masters later.

Paris, France

Dorothée Labarre-Lerolland, 29, Cooking Teacher

I changed my mind about where I live. Living in Paris, had always been unthinkable. But because of my job, I chose to live there. I realized that this is the only place where you can change your job frequently without relocating. It is sometimes difficult to stand the noise, pollution, stress, overcrowding, and disconnection with nature.

Puerto Montt, Chile

Cristían Arriagada, 19, Student

I think that the perception that I have of society has changed; people are very attached to consumerism, and materialism. They don’t have any ambitions; they have forgotten the most important things of life.

Canary Islands, Spain

Emi Egiazabal, 32, Screen Writer

I think I have a flexible character and although in certain things my ideas are strongly formed; it is not strange that I change my criteria with some things. When I was younger, I thought that my family was everything in my life, and I thought that I would not be able to live without them, but then a crucial moment came into my life, and I made the decision to leave my hometown and came to Canary Islands to live. And this made it possible for me to learn to live without them, and I don’t regret it at all.

New York City, USA

Mubashar Ahmed, Student, Designer, Volunteer

I have changed my mind about the possibility of Comprehensive Immigration Reform. President Obama’s commitment to issue Deferred Action to Dreamers has allowed new hope for so many people. With Deferred Action, the possibility to live here and work here becomes a reality for so many youth. I hope the same can be true in the coming year for the millions of others who want to become productive members of society. I think now is the time. This is the moment. We are united for Comprehensive Immigration Reform.

Lima, Perú

Roxana Valleta, 50, Business Administrator

I changed my mind in an accident that I had recently. … During the fall I prayed to God that I would not have major damage, because I have my mother, who is bedridden to attend. Afterwards I had many thoughts; I felt terrible and wanted to stop doing all the important things; I began to renege. But from time to time I changed my mind and told myself it was not to give in to adversity. … Now I move on with my business and doing for my mother.

Medellín, Colombia

Sandra Milena Else Esparza, 28, Cosmetologist

Religion, because I have other views that have allowed me to reassess the basic aspects of life and change the traditional way I used to see them.

Athens, Greece

Panagiwths Verros, 42, Jewelry Designer

When I tried to be fine with my brother I met God. I changed everything—I love life.

Lima, Perú

Roxana Valleta, 50, Business Administrator

I changed my mind in an accident that I had recently. … During the fall I prayed to God that I would not have major damage, because I have my mother, who is bedridden to attend. Afterwards I had many thoughts; I felt terrible and wanted to stop doing all the important things; I began to renege. But from time to time I changed my mind and told myself it was not to give in to adversity. … Now I move on with my business and doing for my mother.

Look for the Global Q&A column every week. Epoch Times correspondents interview people around the world to learn about their lives and perspectives on local and global realities. Next week’s global question: “How worthwhile are the Olympics today, considering cost, security issues, and so on?”

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