Run your race, students

THE EDITOR, Madam:

An open letter to students

My dear students,

You may be the ones who sit in my classroom. Or I may have taught you at one time or another.

I know that life seems to be running away from you, but trust me, it is not.

May is almost over and we celebrate the child in you. Enjoy that time; adulthood has its own worries.

One thing is certain: it is also the time of testing and examinations. Take it all one step at a time.

Don’t get lost in fear or any wild activity. Avoid fast cars, lanes, drugs, alcohol, bikes, toxins, toxic poisons and all abusive intoxications.

Turn off the phones. Say no to the parties. Think about your future. You can improve your outcomes in finals with diligent review and reading. Study in groups, online and, of course, alone.

Run your race.

If you need help, ask for it. Difficulty reading? Don’t be scared to realise you need glasses. No, you are not a nerd if you have to wear them. There are fashionable ones.

Despite hardships, many of your teachers love you and so do your parents. We do our best with what we know and have in our honest hands. Don’t let my belly bottom hurt too much. Keep away from trouble. We taught you the difference between right and wrong.

Even when all the technology tools are absent, the greatest jewel is you. That brain, those eyes and ears are unique; they can’t be bought in a shop.

So do your best; that’s all I ask.

A LOVING PARENT

AND TEACHER