BY EDISON MARTE SICAD
THERE will come a time (many times, actually) when laziness controls your action, weakness overpowers your strength, and perception blinds your vision. But if you think that your dire situation is so unique that it warrants special treatment from “people like us”, sorry to disappoint you.
Suffering or discomfort is felt by many. Insulting as this may sound, your problems and your difficulties are normal. In a sense, there is nothing wrong with you. And if you think (again) that what you need is “much lovin’ and feel-good vibes”, then, you might be in for a lot of disappointments.
For what you really need is some “slappin’ in the face” that your doting parents can’t dare to do because you are such a fragile and delicate individual.
But people like us would say, “Get the hell out of your comfort zone, you cretin.”
Are you offended now? You should be. Look in the mirror and try to be proud of what you see. Because life doesn’t care about the reflection; and we don’t give a damn about your selfies. You do not get what you want. You get what you deserve.
Then what is this? You may ask. What with all the unfairness, backstabbing, backbiting, and just plain melancholic predicament?
My dear student, what you are experiencing is what we call “Life.” Get on with it and wrestle with your Anti-Self. For the Negative Self-talk would be persistent. Even heroes become vulnerable. But despite it, they chose to be heroic.
But I am no hero. You might hear yourself say.
Indeed, you are not, if what you mean by hero is a person who lives a life Hollywood-style. As one writer had said, “We can choose to admire not because we look up to their unreachable qualities; but because we believe that we can also do great things.
But I don’t want to complicate my life. You can reason this way.
Then so be it. But never mistake a simple fulfilled life from a mediocre mendicant existence.
The irony of learning—and growing up—is that your knowledge or achievements will not exempt you from future struggles. If you need an advice (or another slap in the face) to wake you up, may this list inspire (or offend) you into action:
How to be a successful student:
1. Study. This advice may sound stupid. But there are students who complain (or get surprised) that there are things to study when they go to school. And they even become histrionic when they are told to study for a quiz. If you don’t want to study, don’t enroll. Simple as that.
You may boast that you were able to graduate (and even get awards) without really studying. Then, good for you. Continue having that mentality and let’s see how far your boastfulness can take you for a ride.
2. Remember that true—and authentic—learning can never be measured exactly by grades. However, getting the highest grade, best award, or the greatest number of medals, is the next best gift you can give to yourself, to your parents, to anyone who really matters in your life. Because the best gift is always your character and attitude.
Take it from me. I know people who were less intelligent (school-related) than me who are now more successful than me. They have more money and more impressive life-results. I am not trying to be materialistic here but let’s get real.
The only person who says that money is not important is that kind of person who is dependent on someone else who believes that money is important. For having money can actually help other people.
3. Education is entirely different from the Department of Education. Institutions no longer have the monopoly of knowledge. The internet and the fast-paced innovation of learning apps have “democractized” the sources of information.
The only hold of these institutions is that piece of paper called the diploma.
Hopefully, you, my dear student, will be able to see, and then appreciate the advantages of both sides so that you can make the most of the opportunities. Universities are still necessary for society to be civilized. We cannot be too individualistic as to regard man-made institutions as hierarchies of incompetence and nepotism.
In a sense, your mind can imprison you or set you free. And the ideas you encounter in school, as well as the challenges it brings, can test your resolve, and train your mind in making decisions. It’s worth the tuition fees (I guess) and I may add, the hassle of cumbersome and unnecessary busy work.
But study you must and be of good cheer. Till next time./PN
