The model answers below are taken from a members-only video lesson.
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Download the audio track and full transcript of the lesson here:
https://buymeacoffee.com/tracywang/extras
Speaker: Finn
Are you happy to be the age you are now?
Yes, definitely. I’m in my early twenties, which feels like a great stage of life. I have a lot more freedom than I did as a teenager, but I don’t have all the responsibilities that come with being older and having a full-time career. I’m still figuring out what I want to do in the future, and I enjoy having the flexibility to explore different interests and opportunities.
Do you enjoy celebrating your birthday? Why or why not?
Yes, I do, although I don’t make a huge deal out of it. When I was younger, I used to look forward to birthday parties and presents, but now I mostly see it as a chance to spend time with family and friends. I usually go out for a meal or do something simple with the people I’m close to, which is enough for me.
Do you think age is important in your culture?
To some extent, yes. In my culture, older people are generally treated with respect, especially within families. People often value the advice and experience of older generations. That said, I think society has become more open-minded over time, and younger people are encouraged to express their opinions more than they were in the past.
Would you like to be younger or older than you are now? Why?
Honestly, I’d rather stay the age I am now. Being a university student gives me a good balance between independence and responsibility. Of course, there are things I’m looking forward to, like starting my career and becoming financially independent, but I don’t feel any real rush to get older. I think it’s important to enjoy each stage of life as it comes.
When you were a child, did you think a lot about your future?
Yes, quite a lot. Like many kids, I had a different dream job every few months. At various points, I wanted to be a pilot, a professional athlete, and even a scientist. I didn’t have a realistic plan, but I was always curious about what my life would be like when I grew up. Looking back, it’s funny to see how much my ambitions changed over time.
Do you think you have changed as you have got older?
Absolutely. I think I’ve become much more confident and independent. When I was younger, I tended to worry about what other people thought of me, whereas now I’m more comfortable making my own decisions. I’ve also become better at managing my time and responsibilities, especially since starting university and living away from home.
What is the best age to learn new skills? Why?
I don’t think there’s one perfect age, but if I had to choose, I’d say childhood is probably the easiest time. Children tend to learn very quickly and aren’t usually afraid of making mistakes. For example, picking up a new language often seems much easier for kids than for adults. However, I also believe people can learn successfully at any age if they’re motivated enough.
What will be different about your life in the future?
I imagine my life will be much more structured than it is now. At the moment, most of my time revolves around studying, but in the future I’ll probably be working full-time and taking on more responsibilities. I’d also like to become financially independent, travel more, and hopefully build a stable career. While that sounds exciting, I know it will come with its own challenges as well.
Speaker : Blondie
Are you happy to be the age you are now?
Yeah, I really am. I feel like my twenties are this great sweet spot where I finally have the independence and financial freedom to make my own choices, but I don’t yet have the heavy, overwhelming responsibilities that tend to come a bit later in life. It’s a fun time.
Do you enjoy celebrating your birthday? Why or why not?
To be honest, I used to love the big, dramatic bashes when I was younger, but nowadays I prefer something much more low-key. Just a nice dinner out with my closest friends or family is more than enough for me. For me, it’s less about the actual party and more about just catching up with the people who matter.
Do you think age is important in your culture?
Definitely, yes. In my culture, seniority is highly respected, and there’s a lot of emphasis placed on treating your elders with deference. That said, it can be a bit of a double-edged sword because there’s also a lot of societal pressure to hit specific milestones—like career stability or marriage—by a certain age, which can feel quite restrictive.
Would you like to be younger or older than you are now? Why?
Neither, really—I’m quite content right where I am. Going backward would mean reliving the awkwardness and uncertainty of my teenage years, which I definitely don’t want to do, and I’m in no rush to grow older and worry about things like wrinkles and extra stress. I’m just trying to enjoy the present.
When you were a child, did you think a lot about your future?
Not deeply, no. Like most kids, my thoughts about the future were pretty fleeting and unrealistic—one week I wanted to be an astronaut, and the next I wanted to open a sanctuary for dogs. I was much more focused on who I was playing with at recess than on any actual long-term life planning.
Do you think you have changed as you have got older?
Immensely. I think the biggest shift is that I’ve become much more comfortable in my own skin. When I was younger, I used to worry constantly about what other people thought of me and tried too hard to fit in, whereas now I’m far more self-assured and protective of my own peace.
What is the best age to learn new skills? Why?
I’d probably say childhood is the easiest time to learn new skills because children tend to absorb information very quickly and aren’t usually afraid of making mistakes. However, I don’t think age should ever be a barrier. As adults, we often have more patience, discipline, and a clearer understanding of why we want to learn something, which can actually make the learning process more meaningful. So, while children may learn faster, adults can sometimes learn more purposefully.
What will be different about your life in the future?
Well, hopefully, I’ll be more established in my career and a bit more financially secure. On a personal level, I’d love to have traveled a lot more and perhaps settled down into a place of my own, but I’m trying to keep an open mind about where life actually takes me.
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