By Johann (Huang Chenyi) from 2401

Good morning, teachers and students,

Today, I want to talk about a choice we all think about: Is it better to have one amazing talent, or to be good at many different things?

On one hand, there's the power of one special skill. Think about a brilliant pianist or a top Olympic athlete. They spend thousands of hours practicing one thing. Because of this deep focus, they can achieve incredible heights. They become true masters. In a world that values experts, this one skill can define their success and open many doors.

On the other hand, there's the strength in having many skills. The world is complex and always changing. A person who can write well, solve math problems, speak in public, and work in a team is incredibly adaptable. If one path is blocked, they have many others to choose from. New ideas often happen when we connect different fields, and a person with many skills is perfect for that.

So, which path is the right one?

I believe the best answer is not to choose a side, but to combine them. We should aim to be "T-shaped" people.

What does that mean? Imagine the letter T.

The vertical bar of the T is your one deep skill. This is your area of expertise, your passion. It's what you are known for.

The horizontal bar of the T is your range of broader skills. These are your abilities to communicate, collaborate, and solve everyday problems.