Leorio and Me

Hunter x Hunter has been more than just a story to me; it’s become a personal source of inspiration, reigniting my passion for pursuing my dream of becoming a doctor.

Togashi's storytelling has contributed to my own character building, particularly through the journeys of two protagonists, Gon and Leorio. Their personal struggles and growth have shaped my perspectives on ambition, perseverance, and the meaning of success.

Gon begins his story as an energetic, talented kid who leaves his peaceful home to find his father. Along the way, he forms deep friendships, encounters both the light and dark sides of the world, and discovers more about himself than he probably expected. As the story progresses, though, Gon’s journey takes a darker turn. In his quest to save a friend, he lets his anger blind him, and while he wins the battle, it comes at the cost of his immense talent and potential.

When he finally meets his father, it’s not the grand reunion you’d expect. Instead, it’s a quiet, almost anticlimactic moment that drives home the story’s central theme: it was never about reaching his father, it was always about the experiences, the ups and downs along the way. As cliche as this theme is, It was Togashi who truly drove it home for me.

It’s so easy to get caught up in chasing the end goal that we forget to live in the moment, to appreciate what we’ve learned and who we’ve become during the process.

This reflection speaks directly to my own life. Like Gon, I have spent years pursuing a dream, my ambition to become a physician. After finishing high school, I set my sights on medicine, but my path was far from linear. Over six and a half years, my interests shifted, and I experienced both moments of clarity and uncertainty. I experienced numerous setbacks, not being accepted into Medical School the first time, and periods where I gave up on that dream to pursue other paths. Yet, despite all the detours, I ultimately found myself back on the road to my original dream. Hunter x Hunter beautifully captures this non-linear nature of life, highlighting that the paths we take are rarely straightforward.

When I finally received my acceptance into medical school this last February, I expected a surge of adrenaline, I thought I’d be living in eternal bliss. Yet, as I read the letter, the feelings I anticipated never came. Instead, I felt a quiet sense of completion. What truly mattered wasn’t the acceptance itself, but the journey that led me there. the friends I made, the heartbreaks I endured, the moments of joy, and the people I encountered along the way. These experiences were invaluable, and I am eternally grateful for them. They taught me that the true fulfillment comes not from reaching the destination, but from cherishing the experiences that shape us.

Leorio, another pivotal character in Hunter x Hunter, represents perseverance and selflessness. At first glance, he seems loud and materialistic, motivated by wealth. But as his story unfolds, we learn that his bravado masks a noble ambition. Raised in poverty, Leorio’s pursuit of wealth is not for personal gain but to fund his medical education so he can return to his community as a physician. His determination, humility, and compassion deeply resonate with me. In many ways, Leorio mirrors my own journey, his struggles and relentless drive towards something bigger than himself align closely with my own aspirations.

Leorio’s story also serves as a reminder not to judge others too quickly. His outward persona hides layers of complexity, shaped by his personal history and unseen struggles. Through him, I’ve learned the value of empathy and the importance of understanding that everyone’s motivations are shaped by their unique experiences.

Hunter x Hunter isn’t just another manga for me - it’s a reminder. A reminder that life doesn’t follow a script, that success isn’t about reaching a destination, and that the experiences we collect along the way matter more than the final outcome. It’s a story that pushes me to stay resilient, to appreciate the journey for what it is, and to never lose sight of the moments that shape who I am.