I remember watching that video as a high school senior. Now watching this one as a grad student is it so strange to think how far I’ve come since then! Thanks John great video!!
I must say though, despite the fact that your old video might have lacked some nuance and overall maturity, it was a major source of inspiration for me. It exposed me to the possibilities of higher education and pushed me to reach for those goals. Now, four years later, I’m glad to say that I’ll be attending Princeton in the coming year. Thank you, John Fish.
It’s interesting to debunk the intelligent CS student stereotype. Your growth is impressive, even your nasal voice has changed. In a weird, distanced way, I’m proud. lol
"Sleep is super important..." I paused for a while after hearing this. I’m going to a high school "for the gifted" in Vietnam, which took me a (not very) competitive exam to get into. Everyone says this is a perfect environment for me to study, I will get into a good college, etc. After a year of being there, I was totally disappointed. We had to live in the dorm where there were 8 boys in a single tiny room. We were forced to study till 11 and wake up at 5:30, which was super ridiculous. And because I was (am) not very smart, I ended up waking up at 4:30 nearly every single day, it’s 5 hours a night! Maybe I should reconsider this, maybe I should quit this school, quit the "fame" and move to a new one where I can… sleep and live my life. Thank you, anyone, who is reading this. I really appreciate your time, have a great day!
I wish you all the best. I can relate here in Albania where I decided to join a private highschool with a good reputation. It was hell for the 3 years I was there until I finally graduated this summer. I would usually study until 1 or 2 AM and wake up at 6 AM for school so I know how you feel like. If I would go back in time and do sth different, I would join a normal highschool and use some of my money in courses about different subjects. I could get grades without that much effort while still investing in my actual knowledge of the subjects and expanding even further then whats in the book. In the end, life is not all about school and subjects. You need to enjoy it, live it, have time to go out with friends and family and so much more. I am sure you can still join a good college despite studying in a normal high school but anyway that is a decision you have to make along with your family. Stay safe and good luck!
Kai, I can’t say that I really understand what you’re going through right now but I used to be a student in a gifted school when I was 12 and it was hard. I know that the responsibility coming with being in a gifted school is crazy and if you feel like it breaks u apart, then please, just take a moment and see what is really important for you and what you can live without. I know, highschool is the world for you right now and it really is but your health (physical and mental) should be your top priority. I think you now have already experienced the decline in your mental and your physical health. Lack of sleep at that age (honestly at any age) is brutal, it eats you up inside out. So, if you need help, please ask your friends, your family or just anyone. I know we Vietnamese don’t discuss feelings cuz that’s just “not a thing”. But please, please seek for help, please eliminate unnecessary things out of your life. You can use supplements to help you sleep better. Just please, don’t tolerate this situation, take action. Trust me, it’s worth it.
@@evanskaci5736 hey man, i am albanian too :) jam ne klase te 9 dhe ngaqe jam shume mire me mesime po kerkoja ndonje shkolle te mesme private te mire. cila ishte ajo ke qene, qe ta dij dhe ta shmang haha
@@igor817 ca bone vlla, esht Ernest Koliqi si shkoll private edhe nuk ia vlen fare. Leje q esht shtrenjt po edhe do t ngarkojn shum aq sa do tshpifet me msu. Provo me mir shteterorin nqs do m pysje mu psh samiu si gjimnaz. Kshu privat qe tndimojn pak me notat ke Arsakeio qe esht edhe me lir se kto te tjerat edhe te japin noten pak me kollaj
Hey John, I’m at MIT now as a freshman. I remember watching your videos as a freshman in high school, and you’ve inspired me so much. I actually wasn’t trying to get into Harvard/MIT, I was just inspired by how you constantly try to improve yourself and build better habits. I took on that mentality, and I’d like to think that is what has allowed me to achieve so much. Just wanted to pop in to let you know how much I appreciate your channel, as I’m sure many others do as well.
I remember watching this the year after I graduated from university and wishing that I had something similar to reflect on. I recently received pictures from a friend that lived on my floor freshman year and we looked like such babies. The things I wish I could have told myself then would be to maintain a sleep schedule, embrace living around like-minded individuals, and always have a backup plan. I'm now in the process of utilizing my BS in Biology to move into tech while maintaining a research focus. Great video and can't wait to see what comes next for you! We can all appreciate the senior year glow up!
I watched that video in my hometown, sitting on my computer some morning as I was applying for my college's for my bachelor's. Now, I have a job, and am looking for a switch. Many things have changed, many have remained the same, a lot of growth but some issues yet remain. Such a beauty is time, the change measured in time.
As someone who's followed you ever since, and seen your growth throughout, this was an absolute delight to watch, John! I'm sure many people like me have silently been along through your journey and somewhere or the other, found solace in your videos. We've all become so mature. More power to you!
oh gosh i remember watching your videos in sophomore year of hs and now im a first-year college student (ironically at yale lmao go bulldogs) your growth is insane and your commentary is extremely valuable !! especially reflecting on the idea of 18yos feeling like they need to know everything about the meaning of life...it's really refreshing to be told that there are very few be-all-end-all moments :)
I cant forget the day this video popped in my feed. It changed my life altogether. The journey of taking up good habits and prioritizing growth took high place in my life. I was prepping to get in a graduate school then and my whole master’s degree has been a practical of John Fish’s vlog and study and growth patterns. Also I found my identity through this journey as well. I lost my mother in the first semester of my Master’s, the process grief, copying up with it and hardwork required for school…. John your. Channel was one prominent factor which helped me survive. I even sent you a long thankful note on instagram and Facebook as well. Once again thank you so much!
I relate so much with the pressure you put on yourself as a freshman. I did the exact same and have to admit, sometimes I was jealous of my peers that did not have that self-imposed pressure to succeed.
John! I just want to tell you that you are one of the people that I admire the most! I found your YT channel 2 years ago, and my dream is to live in other countries, see the world, study and learn about other cultures. But at that time (2 years ago) I was a little bit lost, and I didn’t know where to start, first I tried to make a plan and started reading more. I also started to be in different activities in University, and now I’m glad that the first step for my dream happened! I don’t have the best grades, but I love to be involved in extracurricular activities, and for that I applied for a scholarship at my university in Brazil, and I was accepted for going to Portugal as an undergraduate visiting student for one semester. I needed to write it here because you were part of this accomplishment, your videos helped me to get the ammunition that I needed! I’m very thankful for sharing your experiences with us! Thank you very much! 🙏🏾 🇧🇷
John! Wow! I remember watching that video when it first came out and ngl I would feel bad about myself and put that same pressure on myself to have my life figured out because I just thought “man this guy is my age and he has it all figured out, shame on me!” Obviously I know better now, I know that we all have our struggles even if we hide them. But it feels like a old highschool friend who I haven’t checked in with in a minute just reflecting on their growth, it’s so refreshing to see this so thank you for it :)
I watched that video in high school back when it wasn't quite popular, now that I'm watching this near the end of my college experience, I resonate with John's growth and change of perspective. Awesome video!
I remember watching this exact same video back in 2018. I was working through exams with no motivation at all, due to a recent breakup. Watching your dedication and motivation was the kick in the butt I needed. I watched all your videos in between the breaks of studying and got the best grades ever. 3 years later, I finished masters, did an amazing internship and got a super nice job. Now I'm currently living on my own with my partner, super happy. A lot changed in 3 years... It's amazing to see! Thanks John!
I watched the video when I was finishing my undergrad degree and now I’m in a PhD program. How time flies. John you are still very young and still have so much ahead of you but it’s been amazing watching you grow as a person. Looking forward to seeing what you will accomplish in the next 4 yrs.
Remember watching that video after I graduated college trying to figure out whether I wanted to learn to code. Going through my youtube "subscribed" list and found this channel again. Crazy how much he's changed and how time flies!
I'm a computer science student at a top university in a small country. I remember watching the older video in my freshman year (I think we're at the same age) since I got curious about Harvard and the courses there. I used to relate a lot with the freshman excitement, expectations from people, linear algebra homework, and how I didn't do a lot of coding since we only learn base theories in the first year. I also got dazed and motivated by your grit and your way of thinking as a Harvard student, and decided to work hard as well. And watching this now in my senior year, I also relate a lot about how my life changes, how online classes stressed me out and how much I grow up as a person (in a hard way since college life is tough🥲), and how currently I got pressured and stressed now in preparing for my thesis and my career. I felt like at least I have someone to look, relate, and even grow up together in the other side of the world, and I feel grateful. Thank you for making the videos🙏 and good luck for your life and career ahead✨
Crazy that I watched that video before starting highsdchool and now i'm about to be 21 and finishing my first year of college John changed my life being canadian and attending harvard on top of being a computer science major. You've inspired me.
I remember watching this video going into college and thinking many of the same things. Especially what my life purpose was supposed to be. Looking back I think I can say that I too put way too much pressure on myself and the person I am today is so radically different than where I thought I would be back then. I changed majors, changed schools, changed relationships, etc. Wild to look back and see just how far you have actually grown.
Why do I feel there’s sorrow in your eyes😂😂 when you watched your old video. Anyway, I remember subscribing to you three years ago when I was in my second year at university, now I’m working, just super cool to see this😁😁
I was also in freshman year when I watched this video, my friend asked me to watch this video and I was really inspired by your approach and personality traits that you were in the same age group as mine with groomed and sensible personality. Now I am watching this video with you, remembering myself being a 'freshie' and how things have changed in our lives within 3 years. ❤️
I was your age of right now when you released that video. I was studying economics. I switched to computer science and next year I'll graduate. Thanks for the life changing content John. It would be pretty cool if you continued that python tutorials series, I did my first "hello world" with you. I'd love some more advanced stuff you can do now a days to update our minds on a couple of stuff we don't get on our education system :)
I remember watching that freshman video as a high school senior preparing for the notorious Chinese College Entrance Exam... I was quite lost at that time, trapped in the educational system, and my own confidence was quite based on my grades rather than the true SELF. Now I am a junior student, in one of the top universities in China, preparing for my graduation in a year to come. And I can quite relate to what you said in this reacting video, about the meaning of life, about the purpose of unvercities, about how to develop into a well-rounded person. Looking back on these days, I am amazed at how far I've come! I'd say THANK U for your great video and all the inspiration U gave me！
I remember watching this when I just graduated from my high school and I was very keen in knowing John more and as I too also am IT major doing my BSc in Computer Engineering your insights are great
Hey John! Wow you’ve grown so much. This stranger is proud of you! I’ll definitely check out Empire of Pain. Sounds like something I would enjoy reading.
Hi John, it's really interesting to see how you've gained wisdom over the years. I'd definitely be interested in hearing more about what you've learned about philosophy and "the big questions" of life.
I literally just started watching you and my first video was the Day in My Life video you were looking back on in this video. Then, I watched this one next. Wow! It's amazing how we change. I can tell you have matured from being in college as well as just living life. In the first video, you looked eager to conquer the world and still trying to figure things out, but now you have mellowed out in a good way. It's like you have found your niche in life and have a better understanding of how to receive what the world has to offer you!
This is without question one of your best videos. You are the age of my grandchildren, and to see how you have matured over these 4 years is something very special. I look forward to watching you continue your journey.
this was one of my favourite videos i've ever watched! it actually really motivated me and had me pretty excited to go to uni :) i remember taking from some of the habits you had! i definitely began using a planner after watching that haha sadly i did not get into uwaterloo cs but i'm quite happy at another school :)
John! So this was the first video I saw from you because I was up late doing an assignment and I was over school at that time. I decided to find a RU-vid video of what a Harvard student does on a regular lol I really thought I couldn’t relate to you at first but then hearing you speak and just overall being humble, I knew I could learn a lot from you. It’s been truly an honor following for all these years, and to see you grow (over the internet of course but still) and mature to the person you are now. You inspire me to always be hungry to learn more and more and to just think critically overall. Appreciate you Mr Fish!
I loved this so much, I think it's so important to reflect on how our mindsets change and on growth. I'm experiencing so much burn out with school right now as I apply for grad school and I really needed the video today to remind me that having it all figured out when I'm 21 is a ridiculous ask of myself
In my freshman year in high school, my English teacher played the video in the lesson and that was my first time getting know you. My friends rlly like your video style and I just followed you after that which is a inspired RU-vidr! Keep Move!!:))
That was a fantastic video John! My how you have grown in so many ways. I still remember the videos when you were running track back in high school! Thanks for the memories!
i watched your videos as a high school freshman and stressing out about college apps. now i’m studying neuroscience at ucla as a college freshman! it’s really amazing to look back 4 years and remember how much we’ve grown and learned :) thank you for all your inspiring and insightful videos!
I started watching you in my third semester after I changed university and subject..and following you made me grow too..but seeing how much you have grown looks really impressive...thank you that I can walk this journey with you, you are very inspiring
I remember watching this video in my first year of Uni (turns out we're the same age) and now watching it as a senior your introspection is really interesting to hear. Looking back at my mindset as a freshman, I may as well have been a whole different person.
I like what you said about technical colleges vs university. I'm also 22 and I did one year at university and I really didn't like it. It was really hard to motivate myself to learn things I wouldn't need to know for my future job. Now I'm in my last year of a very busy college program and I love it. :) for me it took taking a year off to work and finding a more "direct" path to what I want to do and who I want to be. But I really respect people who thrive in the university environment.
Due to you videos, my life in architecture school has been better. Honestly you're one of my favorite RU-vidrs. Thanks for all the content 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼 Greetings from Mexico!
Hi John, I like this kind of introspective, thoughtful video best. Always interesting to hear different prospectives on different topics. I agree though that you seem more mature and confident in comparison to the video from four years ago which is probably true for most people as they live life! Thanks.
I think saying that a 18-year old person is not obliged to think about big questions is kind of not true. An 18-year old person is really capable to look and search for that. We've to find responses for mostly the questions: What we're doing here? and What's our purpose of life? Who created us?... Those big questions need to be answered before we die :) Because we may do and have a certain life-style, and we haven't ever thought about other possibilities and circumstances, and then we discover that we weren't going in the right way.. Otherwise, great video as always John :) :)
I'm not all that famous luckily. I've had a couple of awkward experiences but most people are super nice and just generally pleased to meet someone they saw on the internet
I remember watching that video. still cannot believe it's been 4 YEARS. I'm a senior now and this video made me realize that I truly wanted to continue my studies in the united states
