Kuala Lampur, Jan. 14 -- When I was younger, there was never much doubt about what I was supposed to become. I did well in school. I liked science. I could memorise, reason, and perform when it mattered. So naturally, the expectation followed. Medical doctor.

It was not a malicious expectation. It was almost affectionate. Teachers said it with pride. Relatives said it with certainty. Friends repeated it like it was already decided. In a system where academic ability often pointed to a narrow set of "successful" destinations, medicine felt like the logical end point. A well-marked route. A familiar map.

At that age, I did not question it. When you are young and capable, it feels comforting to have a path laid out for you. You do not have...