Being a student 18-02-2021
By: Carmen Gilda Sainz | Educational Advisor
When I was in eighth grade I had one of the most picturesque math teachers I've ever met. His way of being always kept us interested in his class. He explained very well and listened attentively to our questions, answering many times with phrases from famous mathematicians. I always wanted to have everything ready for his class and like him as much as he liked me. I remember one of his favorite phrases, when it went wrong in some exam: "My children, the student is the one who studies BEFORE", I do not know if that was invented by him or some philosopher!
It's playful, but in reality, being a student is much more complex and comprehensive than just ‘studying before’. Being a student is like being employed on a schedule from 7am to 7pm – and even more – with 7 to 10 supervisors at the same time and 2 bosses. Each “supervisor” assigns various responsibilities constantly, without forgetting that each has his or her own particular personality that must be understood and accepted – because that is what we have. All of them "report" to the bosses (mom and dad) through the report of notes commenting on conduct, responsibility and general performance. They use a special numerical measure from 0 to 100, even going so far as to entirely define their students with a single trait: student of 90, of 80, of 70. I don't think I know any adults who would be able to withstand a similar pattern of work.
It is a reality that many students define themselves according to those notes, the consequences they bring and how their parents' perception of them as human beings changes from those notes. I regret to recall that, as a teacher and therapist, I have seen many parents who condition love and support for their children on their role as students.
Being a student is an occupation in which children and young people need the support, without prejudices or labels, of the adults who accompany them on that journey. I always use my own experience as a student to connect with my students and clients. I especially remember the teachers who cared about me, not just my grades.
The student trade has many edges, among them: having or developing the strategies to pay attention in classes, carrying out the tasks fully, to prepare for the exams and presentations. It is overcoming the fear of speaking in public or the shyness to participate in classes. It is being self-confident enough to say “I didn't understand” or ask for help when needed. It is to be brave and face typical adversities with teachers and peers. It is accepting when one makes a mistake and being compassionate to oneself before these. To complicate things further, in this present we live, to be a student is to be a specialist in technology and schedules.
In commemoration of the National Student Day in the Dominican Republic, today, February 18, I remember with gratitude all those teachers who made my student life richer and more interesting. It was those who helped me understand how to do some work, those who had empathy in moments when I had difficulties, those who realized what my strengths were and motivated me to explore them (even giving me more notes for that than for other things).
On this day I invite all adults who were once students to reflect on their experience and how it would be possible for them to contribute to that of the students around them, be they their children, children of friends or their own students. On this day he celebrated all those brave boys and girls who face realities that many adults would not know how to handle and especially, I congratulate them for continuing to move forward despite the very complex circumstances in which we find ourselves today.
