:: of studies ::

I am at the most unlikely-place-to-be during a school term break - the NIE library after a morning drive & breakfast with best friend.
With a meeting scheduled in three hours time, I am way too early.
Library reminds me of school. School reminds me of work. Work reminds me of studying.
And the recent release of results got me thinking of the unnecessary pressure that I tend to put myself into.
Missing the 4 mark by 0.03, this semester GPA was an improvement compared to the last though I'd still think if I had put in more effort last year, the grades will be a little bit better.

It's ironic how often we try to convince our students to enjoy the process of learning instead of putting high expectations of attaining good grades when in actual fact, even as adults. we are still trapped in the grading system where As and Bs mean a lot to us especially if we intend to further our studies and plus the fact that different grades have different payscale attached to them.
Sometimes, I don't blame the kids for trying too hard.
It's how our society works.
You are clever because you got A.
You are stupid because you got F.
With that kind of mindset, no wonder all of us are gearing up for the endless rat race.

But I always believe rewards will come when you least expect it.
Though all around you, people will be waiting to hear the 'end product' of your learning journey, its you who is going through the process.
So, screw them if you want, say the next time they tell you, 'How come you did badly?'
Because my friend, success comes with effort and luck.
And the thing about luck is, well, it doesn't come more often than we hope.