Monday, July 17, 2006

The Attitude Agenda

Education, as most of us, would think, is indeed a lethal weapon that would serve many important roles in the past, present and future. For students who realize this, seeking the "value" of education shan't be a problem. This post, here, is written by me, after giving much thought(s) on an issue lately. This is a scenario faced by most of the bright students in the field of education.

As we all already know, getting a distinction in subjects taught in school isn't very much a burden nowadays. Parents, hit by the "competitive" beam, send their kids to classes despite the fact that they are, indeed already burdened by mammoth-like-assignments in school.Ok,fine deal, if you can't change them, so blend with them. Typical Malaysian stereotypes. But why does that comparing attitude comes about? I seriously hate that so much.This stuck-up attitude has ruined the core of education which was to create a unique balance in human society.

Attitude, is, a big problem. It doesn't really stop at the preliminary stage, it goes about all along the way until you reach the utmost ladder in your field of studies. As a direct consequence of this problem, it gives a very badly butchered name to education. Many bright students become obsessed with Ivy-League universities, without having any thought to improve the ones in their own backyard. There is a snobbish scent, from my past experience, that i sense, among this group who claims that all A-s means a seat awaiting them in such universities, and a class apart from others. Alright, fine, it is good to have an ambition or a "hope" because that is what steered you up all this way to this stage. But, do also realize that there is always someone smarter than you. What's the point of having that false impression of superiority?

You are there,in that place, because you deserved it, but you would also have to realize that that doesn't sets up a path to mock others who might be equally(if not intelligent) as you who might be studying in some other place, because circumstances played her role well, for she is the creator of opportunies. You might have the cash, the others might not. You might be lucky, yes (luck) is pivotal, if you ask me.

For some of you who are very much concerned about the place that you study, a piece of advice here. Knowledge of our capacity is a cure of scepticism and idleness( Locke, 1690). There was this incident which took place lately, involving 2 guys who are both studying medicine, but in different places. One is studying in UK and the latter is pursuing his education in India. The former started to dispute the quality of education in such places and bragged about the place he's studying. Yes, agreed, UK is an excellent place to pursue your study, but what i disliked most about that guy is the fact that he held a very negative image on others. This is not an ideal thought that should be held by anyone, especially in the case of this guy who is pursuing a noble career-medicine. It should be a point that one should note that, it is not where you study, but how well you could perform in such institution(s). So who cares if you study in UK and you obtain a borderline pass? It's all the matter of prestige i reckon, especially in this guy's case.In my case, i have held this maxim for some time already-It is not where you pursue your education, but how well you could outshine other, for the fact that versatility should be the focus.

However, it is also sad to note that most educational institutions are drawn backwards due their academic based requirements. There should be a chance to reform, and most importantly, we still have the "time" to chance to reform. Just like Swami Vivekanda, a famous Indian philosopher puts it, men are destined to write his own faith, we should learn to have a motto in life, but that doesn't gives you the right to downbring others.

Nav

2 Comments:

At 1:26 pm, Blogger Keshi said...

**men are destined to write his own faith, we should learn to have a motto in life, but that doesn't gives you the right to downbring others.


so true! And that motto should not include discrimination.

Keshi.

 
At 10:13 am, Blogger !jenna! said...

Amen to that. Sigh.

 

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