I had a one on one tutoring session with Jen today. As I entered into the class, I found that shew as unready for her lesson. That was fine, I thought to myself, perhaps she was busy. When class started, she was not being serious at all and that got me into a good 15 minute lecture on her attitude. Sensing that something was amiss, I asked why did she think her studies were important. She replied that it was not. However, she studies for her mother.
I pushed the books aside and asked Jen to explain a bit more on what she meant. She explained that she could no stand disappointing her mother when she did not do well. She gave an example of how her mother would utter words of frustration and anger, whenever her results were less than desirable.
Similar to Jen's case, the fun of learning and passion towards doing something important was secondary towards obtaining good results in exams. Ironically, this leads nowhere. I asked Jen what would she do if her parents stopped forcing her study. In addition, I asked what would happen once she had finished studying. She paused for a good 30 seconds and replied, 'I don't know'.
However, I was burnt out not long after that and gave up. I finally regained my footing when I had an idea of what my purpose in life was. This spurred me to doing well in my exams and other things. I explained that having a purpose does change one's perspective. Whenever someone is inspired with a purpose, they do not tire easy, nor would they feel as if they are being suffocated with what they are doing. I told her that she was an excellent student and could go far in anything academic but she has to first realize this herself and stop doing it for her mother.
However, it is when we choose to apply our talents for a cause, that we start to see results that are often unique from our friends. I explained that we don't always have to be first, but we do have to try our best in everything. Furthermore, we too should always use our talents for good and that is what makes life meaningful.
