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| The writer believes that a beautiful camaraderie makes life a wonderful journey. |
I refer to the letter by Dr Vishalache Balakrishnan,
“Leave no student behind” (NST, March 6), and would like to express my opinion regarding the matter.
In the letter, Dr Vishalache agreed that we should not merely focus on high achievers, but
also the ones who did not do well in Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM). However, from what I read on newspapers and watched on
television, everyone was in the limelight. Students who scored excellent grades
were complimented for their outstanding achievements, while humble
achievers, including those who needed to deal with disasters, illnesses and
disabilities, were also congratulated despite their satisfactory results. In
addition, there were also reports on Orang Asli as well as
financially-challenged students who could have dropped out but ended up making their
family and society proud, even though they scored only a few As.
According to the writer, “there is no brouhaha over who
got straight As” in New Zealand, which is a contradictory situation in Malaysia
as, for decades, it has been a cultural phenomenon for the latter to report on excellent achievers. I feel that there is nothing wrong with that. It is our own and
unique way of appreciating high achievers, even while we motivate future SPM
candidates to excel in the examinations, too. As our young read stories about students
who need to deal with trials and tribulations in life, especially those with
special needs, in newspapers and on social media, it will teach them to be
grateful and help them believe that where there is a will, there is a way.
American author
Mark Twain once said: “The secret of getting ahead is getting started”. Motivation
is essential for learners as it is the first step to short- and long-term
success. Without motivation, students will fail to see the importance of
education and the roles it plays in their lives.
I suggest that SPM achievers,
including those who do not score all As but impress their families and schools
with remarkable improvement, should be given the opportunity to carry out sharing sessions, preferably at their respective schools, districts or states, on their experience to help spur others to excel. It is also
recommended that these motivated students be invited for radio or television
interviews to discuss their bittersweet journey in achieving their goals.
However, students should also be encouraged to develop their
intrinsic motivation and they should not be put under extrinsic pressure that focuses
on competition as well as parental and society’s expectations.
I have a friend
who recently shared a story of a female student who struggled with cancer while preparing
for the SPM examination last year. Despite her serious health problems, her
parents still set high expectations, pushing her to being an
all-rounder. Although she scored
7As, she was scolded by her parents for not meeting their unreasonable expectations.
Teenagers, no matter how rebellious or problematic they
are, will shine if they are motivated in the right way. Otherwise, the two SPM candidates
of Henry Gurney School would not have scored 8As, as reported recently. And
that is because we should not leave no student behind in their quest to better themselves.
Courtesy of New Straits Times
9 March 2015
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