this is not much a do about nothing..

A small stop in the journey

The Star Online

Friday December 28, 2007

THE results for the PMR are out today. Sometimes we forget that the Form 3 students come from the length and breadth of the country.

Not every student will have the privilege of being ferried to the school in a nice car, accompanied by an equally anxious parent, to see how many As will show up on that slip of paper.Not every student will have the privilege of being featured in the newspapers or TV station jumping for joy. Or being interviewed about their study techniques or the rewards that await them.

The majority of the PMR students, if you put things in their proper perspective, will quietly collect their results and prepare for Form 4. Some may not even be able to collect their results because of the floods, but life still goes on.

The obsession with As is primarily an urban phenomenon. It used to be crucial only at the pre-university stage, but over the years has crept downwards so that even 12-year-old children sitting for the UPSR are subjected to unnecessary tension.

I am reminded today by what my Form 3 teacher advised all of us in her message in our class magazine.

She wrote:

“Put in total dedication in your studies,

Pursue learning with real interest

It is such spirit which will carry you

Far deep into fields of knowledge

Be humble in your achievements

The truly great man is never puffed up

Rather he stands in awe

In realisation that there's still so much

To know which is beyond him

Never be discouraged by failure

Not all are born great

But many achieve greatness

Through sheer industry, determination and perseverance

School time is also the time to build up

Precious, meaningful, lasting relationships

Be interested in the world around you

Be intelligently informed

Don't develop into scientific recluses

Remember sports, music, literature and the arts

Have much to offer to help build you up into well-balanced individuals

Able to understand, know, enjoy better

The world you are living in.”

This teacher has touched many lives. She has helped produce her fair share of multiple-A students but she also knew that the ordinary students without the As can go on to lead meaningful, rich lives, if they are well-rounded caring individuals who recognise that results are not the be-all and end-all of the school journey.

To all students taking the PMR results today, by all means rejoice in your distinctions, but do not despair over your credits and passes.

Life is a journey, and the PMR is just a little stop along the way for you to pause and reflect, and to move on.

posted by Rosyada @ 12:54 am