19 Oct 2014

Who else hated the kid in class who always raised their hand?

I know I did.

This one’s for you mate.

I have a message for you, for the kid who always raised his hand. You volunteer; you ask questions; you want to know why. You’re prepared and present. You’re hungry and you’ve always been this way, ever since you can remember.

I rolled my eyes at you; I just wanted to keep my head down and learn, and get out of school.  We sulked while you answered the question. And we kept texting while you volunteered to go first.

However, while you’re busy trying, we were busy missing out.

When you’re in primary school, raising your hand makes you a teacher’s pet. When you’re in high school, it makes you a nerd; at uni you were ‘way too involved‘.

At least, that’s what we told you. However, I want you to know that the habit of trying, striving, of giving a shit, in every aspect of your life–not just school–will turn you into a powerful person.

Regardless of the social stigmas that surround your passion for knowledge know this, there is nothing better than bettering yourself, stick with it.

Persistence for knowledge and for opportunity begins when you’re young. It starts with raising your hand, but it will end with a successful and potent future.

The truth is, those who show up run the world. You don’t have to be the smartest kid in the class; you don’t have to be the most qualified applicant for the job.

But if you try, if you step out on the limb and risk being wrong, you’ll find that the limb really isn’t all that crowded. Some areas of life are undeniably competitive, but if you are brave enough to try, you’re already more than halfway there.

If you have the courage to seek out opportunity, to actively participate in the creation of your future, to fearlessly have a say in all aspects of your life, you’ll find yourself in the minority.

And the minority is where you want to be.

It’s more than confidence, though; insatiable curiosity broadens your scope and matures your perspective. Allowing yourself to be vulnerable and admitting you don’t know all the answers, shows healthy humility and opens your mind to new ideas and interests.

In the classroom, asking why shows you that you are actively engaging and fostering true knowledge. To ask questions is to discover, and your exploration of the world may lead you to passions you never knew you had.

The ones who ask the questions, who give the answers and who raise their hands, turn into the adults who get the best jobs, who contribute to society, who are effective, smart, motivated and powerful.

I realised that I was wrong late in the picture, I relied on talent to get me through most of my education.  I wish I had pursued things like you did.

I have the utmost respect for you.

by Max