Victims of Fun, Sex Education, and the Meaning of School

This article is also available in [Burmese]

I had a long day today, going to work and then heading to the university library afterward. Even though my classes are done, I still have work to finish, and I find I’m more productive on campus where I can plug into a proper monitor. Because of the busy day, I only have time for a few short thoughts, collected here.

1. The Victims of "Fun" - A Warning

When you arrive in a new country, don't let the idea of "freedom" enslave you. It has become "cool" among young people to drink, vape, and smoke, often under the banner of "socializing." In my view, this isn't freedom; it's becoming a "victim" of these substances.

Everywhere I look, I see a young man with a vape or a young woman with a bottle of liquor. I am completely against these things. I use wine in my cooking, but I never take a sip for pleasure—only to check the flavour. Don't become a victim of "fun." There are countless healthy pleasures available. Take a walk in a lush green park or cycle down a country lane. That experience will leave you feeling genuinely refreshed.

2. Breaking the Silence - On Sex Education

This is a topic that needs to be taught, not judged, especially within the Burmese community. It is something every parent should discuss openly with their children from their teenage years.

• The Situation in Myanmar: When a child asks about contraception or the Plan-B pill, they are often shamed with questions like, "Why do you need to know? Are you pregnant?" or "Do you want to ruin your life?" This creates a culture of festering silence that leads to preventable problems. A boy carrying a condom is judged as "horny."
• The Situation in the UK: Here, sex education is actively promoted. In fact, comprehensive Relationship and Sex Education (RSE) is a mandatory part of the school curriculum. A condom is seen as a responsible tool for preventing unwanted pregnancies and STIs. Brands like Durex and even sex toys are sold openly in convenience stores, without shame or fear.

The truth is, these tools can be beneficial for self-protection and for safely exploring one's sexuality. Of course, misuse (e.g., unhygienic use or using them on someone non-consensually) is dangerous. The goal is to embrace this openness with a sense of personal responsibility.

3. The Language Trap - English Fluency vs. Burmese Identity

I hate that I have to keep talking about this, but it is critically important. Being fluent in English is a good thing, but it does not determine your intelligence or your worth.

• Misplaced Pride, Part 1: Some young people from privileged, international school backgrounds use their English fluency—often a product of their family's wealth, not their own genius—to look down on those who are less fluent. They disrespect their own mother tongue and, by extension, their country.
• Misplaced Pride, Part 2: On the other end of the spectrum, some react defensively, developing a "misplaced pride" and claiming that English is unnecessary as a way to mask their own insecurities. This is also wrong.
• The Truth: Fluency in any language is something to be proud of, but it is never an excuse to belittle others. And being unable to properly speak your own mother tongue is certainly nothing to be proud of. I can almost guarantee you that those who boast about "not being able to speak Burmese" are not truly fluent in either language.

True mastery of a language is the ability to use the right words in the right context, with nuance and understanding. I see so many young people now who can't even get basic Burmese spelling correct. In a professional or even a romantic context, poor spelling makes a terrible impression.

Conclusion: What Is School For?

Finally, I ask you to reflect on your own purpose. Why are you really at school?

• For Money?
• For Work?
• For Study itself?
• Or for Life—to live it more meaningfully?

For parents, I urge you to support your children in becoming well-rounded, thoughtful human beings, not just degree-holders. Remember, school is a training ground to prepare you for everything you will face in life.

Thank you for reading. I hope this has given you something to think about.