Op-ed: The right to wrongness
Sam Tran |
Weirded out yet unfazed as the only female student in the room (no
complaining), we began learning the basic structures. Even though I had no
prior experience in computer programming, I had confidence in my ability to
absorb the information within the blink of an eye. After all, I always did that the only way I became naturally accustomed to. To say it in the nicest way
possible, I got annihilated.
Strings, variables, while loops, if-else statements, Boolean values these concepts quickly blurred together to become a warped mess inside my mind.
In school, I tended to become frustrated with others who could not go at the
same pace as me. Yet during these five 7-hour classes, I felt like only a small
black speck in an entire universe. I became frustrated with myself! For the
first time in my adolescent life, the best person in the class did not turn out
as me; rather, the cute guy sitting to my right. Many times did I have to turn
to him, barraging him with a multitude of questions.
Humiliated? Yes.
Society, scared to deal a blow to children’s self-esteems, has become
brainwashed with the “everybody is a winner” mindset. But in reality, one who thinks
him/herself as the best appears ignorant. A fine line exists between having
confidence and exuding cockiness, and humility helps to crack down on the
latter. Losing serves as one of the most important aspects in mentally growing.
Seeing life through another perspective gives a chance for becoming a little more
open-minded. Instead of raising children to become conceited individuals,
teaching them a bit of humility allows them to understand their position,
legitimately work for what they aspire, and ultimately improve in their
ambitions.
Initially irritated with my constant questioning, the cute boy soon
became a friendly acquaintance. And by the end of the program, I created a
tic-tac-toe game that I did not and still cannot understand to this day.
Walking out of the building for the last time, I only left with positive
thoughts and memories. During the week-long class, no student actually received
a reward. Yet for me, the most rewarding part I got from it? The experience of
getting put in my place.
Humility? Yes, please.
This op-ed reflects the opinion of the listed author(s), and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the LSNews.org editorial board, its advisor, or the Lampeter-Strasburg School District. Questions or concerns can be directed to lspioneernews@gmail.com.
This op-ed reflects the opinion of the listed author(s), and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the LSNews.org editorial board, its advisor, or the Lampeter-Strasburg School District. Questions or concerns can be directed to lspioneernews@gmail.com.
--Sam Tran, Special to LSNews.org