Letter from a Teacher to a Student – Ms. Imtitola, Asst. Prof. Commerce

Election here, election there, election everywhere! So much is happening in the political front, but let’s not forget that exams are also just around the corner for our students. Students, if you have still not begun studying, make the decision to start today! Also, a must read for all students – here’s an inspiring and motivating letter from a teacher.







Letter from a Teacher to a Student


These days many young hearts must be skipping a beat or having anxious and sleepless nights. Not because it is the month of Valentine’s but because the exams are fast approaching. But it’s not only students. Many adults also suffer from exam phobia. Reminiscing back to my student days, life was so simple and loads of fun, yet we were also haunted by the so called ‘exam fever’. Exams frayed our nerves and made student life tough. At the same time, it was quite fascinating as that was the only time we used to receive special treatment.

Yes, exams are one of the most dreadful times for every student, but it is important as it decides the next step, one’s entire professional career and future. It is only natural to feel stressed and tense at one point. In fact, for some, stress and tension improves performance.
Remember that there is no short cut to success. Until and unless you work hard, you can’t be a victor. It depends on how you perceive (negative/positive) a situation and how you react to it and how you encode/decode your stress. The greatest weapon against stress is your ability, as ability is what will get you to the top.
Have you ever thought about what makes a successful student? The first thing that comes to mind is by studying hard. Yes, that is true. But besides that, some of the important factors are your willingness, your concentration, ability to listen to your parents/elders, self-determination etc. You are your own best motivator. Your motivation must come from within yourself. Your parents or teachers may try to encourage you, but you are the only one who can attain what you desire. You must convince yourself- you can! Throughout your college years you may come across many obstacles or choices; view them as opportunities. Don’t allow yourself to be burdened with problems; they are only challenges.
Have you ever thought about your future? How do you define success? What makes you happy? What drives you? To be successful, be a lifelong learner. We are living in rapidly advancing and competitive times. In such a scenario, the only certainty in life comes through learning. Education is the door to opportunity. Your most valuable asset and skill in life is your ability to learn and apply this knowledge. No matter what your goals are, work at maximum efficiency. Be a student who works smarter as well as harder.
Life consists of both successes and failures. Failures and disappointments in life are inevitable. Some of us might face failures in life but don’t get discouraged by that, in fact keep trying, keep walking, keep exercising your mind because the mind is a terrible thing to waste. Do not fear failure, get up and start again graciously. If you do so, success will definitely come your way. Remind yourself that sometimes failure is just the first step towards success. 
Sony Corporation, a Japan- based Corporate Group, is one of the most famous in terms of electronics and gadgets. The founder is Akio Morita. What’s interesting about Sony is that their first product was actually a rice cooker, but it was a failure. The setback did not stop Morita and his partner. Undeterred by the initial failure, today Sony Corporations has become a multi-billion dollar corporation. 
Another example is business tycoon, Soichiro Honda. He is the owner of Honda, a billion-dollar Japanese Multinational Corporation. Soichiro Honda also met lots of failures in life. He began his career as a car mechanic. At first, he was rejected by Toyota Motor Corporation. So, he started repairing scooters and finally started with his own business. Today, Honda is one of the 6th largest automobile manufacturers in the world. Akio Morita and Soichiro Honda are exemplars of the famous adage “failures are the stepping stones to success”. 
Besides everything else, you are here today by the grace of God. Let God be your guide and strength. Whatever you do or whenever you study, let prayers and hard work be your ultimate driving machine. As the Bible says, “Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them” (Mark 11:24). Also, “In all your ways acknowledge God, and he will guide your paths (Proverbs 3:6); Commit your work to the Lord and your plans will be established” (Proverbs 16:3)

Always remember that your parents’ moral support, prayers and faith have enabled you to reach where you are now. Find out where you are in your life right now and start performing because you are born to perform and you were born for a reason. Decide where you want to go now.

Today, make a firm decision to become an ideal student. Reflect back on the days gone by, and if there is something you need to change, then change it and think outside the box. Remember, the more knowledge a student gets, the more humble he/she becomes and this makes them stand tallest amongst the tall. Be a victor and at the end of the day you will say “Oh, what a wonderful feeling!”

“Degree of Thought is a weekly community column initiated by Tetso College in partnership with The Morung Express. Degree of Thought will delve into the social, cultural, political and educational issues around us. Tetso College is a Commerce and Arts College. For feedback or comments please email: admin@tetsocollege.org”

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