Abu Dhabi: Over 900,000 pupils across the UAE have begun a new academic year at school and will doubtlessly be looking forward to new experiences and challenges over the course of the year.
Even for those who are long past their school days, it’s one stage of life that’s always fresh in mind. Gulf News delves into this unmistakable charm associated with school life, asking people to share their school experiences, how that phase helped them later in life, and the advice they would give to young people who are still in school.
Ahmad Samir talks fondly about his time at high school, and how it taught him humility.
“The period I remember most is the latter years of high school. It was a time of self-discovery and great friendship. I really did have a great experience, all the drawbacks of it notwithstanding.
“I garnered my fair share of popularity towards the end of my high school ‘career’, as it were, and I can’t say that wasn’t a pleasant experience. But it also forced me to accept that humility isn’t a virtue; it’s a necessity.
“Arrogance may make you popular, but for the wrong reasons; eventually, what remains of your memory is your supercilious manner, not how popular — and so, socially powerful — you were.”
Samir also speaks of how he managed to turn something negative, such as bullying, into something positive.
“Almost everyone has their bullies at school, and my bullies helped me by providing me with a template for what I should aspire not to be. In this respect, a good enemy really helps you in defining who you are. Now I’m a staunch proponent of kindness whenever applicable, while respecting yourself most of all.”
Samir advice to schoolgoers is to look at school as a real example of how life actually is. “Appreciate the time you have while you have it — and, crucially, don’t consider this a school-only tip. School is a simplified microcosm of society: you’ll have your friends, your allies, your enemies, your challenges, your victories and disappointments; all while various authorities control aspects of your life.”
Saif Shaker’s fondest memories of school revolve around the chance to learn new things and the social interaction.
“My memory of school is something that will always stay with me forever. It is a chapter in life that I consider very important for several reasons. You develop your knowledge and learn more about different topics, so you become enlightened and your knowledge base expands.
“The most exciting aspect of being in school is meeting people. You get to make many friendships and share many memories with them. It is crucial to have a balance between your studies and time spent with friends.”
Shaker advises students to take part in extra-curricular activities so that they can meet more people and make more friends. “My advice for students is to enrol in varsity teams, committees and different school events. It is a great way to meet new people, making new friends, and a great way to get recognised.”
Mohammad Kader says that school instilled in him discipline and a work ethic. “School has been a major influence in my life, it has taught me discipline, the value of hard work, and how important friendship is. One thing that struck me and which I still reflect on today is that with hard work anything is possible and that’s what school taught me.
“Studying day in and day out for my grades as well as training day in and day out to make it on the school football team — as a result you will make friendships that last a lifetime with people who have the same drive and the same goals as you.”
Kader says that a good school environment such as the one he had becomes a strong positive for society in the long run. “A good school environment where students are encouraged and told they have the ability to accomplish anything is and always will be an asset to society and individuals.”
— Sami Zaatari is a trainee at Gulf News
