Passage: The Road Not Taken
Lina had always been passionate about art, but she grew up in a family that valued practicality above all else. Her parents often reminded her, “If you choose a stable career, you’ll always have security.” Lina understood their concerns, but deep down, she felt that if she ignored her artistic dreams, she would regret it someday.
After college, she found a job in marketing that paid well, even though it wasn’t her passion. Her parents were pleased, but Lina often wondered if she were working as an artist, her life would be much more fulfilling. She stayed in marketing for several years, always feeling a bit out of place.
One day, she was given the chance to lead a creative project at work, which reignited her love for art. If she had focused on art from the beginning, she thought, she might be an established artist by now. Despite this, Lina put her heart into the project, and her creativity shone through.
Her work impressed her colleagues, and she began to feel that her artistic side was finally being recognized. If she continues to pursue her art, she thought, maybe one day she could transition fully to a creative career. For the first time, Lina saw a potential path forward that included both stability and creativity.
Looking back, she told herself, If I hadn’t taken this job in marketing, I wouldn’t have developed the skills that helped me lead this project so well. She realized that, even though it wasn’t her original plan, the experiences she gained had shaped her into someone capable of combining her skills and passion.
Questions for Practice
Zero Conditional:
What advice did Lina’s parents give her that reflects a general truth?
First Conditional:
What does Lina hope for if she continues to pursue her art?
Second Conditional:
What does Lina often wonder about her life?
Third Conditional:
What does Lina reflect on when thinking about her choice of career?
Mixed Conditional:
How does Lina feel about her current skills in leading projects?
