Grades don’t define a person…

attitude does…

These were the thoughts that Sir RSG highlighted yesterday. Together with the rest of the class, we had done something that really made him mad, transforming our future technology class (which should have been a discussion about future technologies) into a personal discussion about our own FUTURE. Although we were able to finish two units of lessons yesterday, there were still 3 remaining units that we were not able to cover because of the "personal forum."

We were scheduled to report our future technology topics after the two-week long break, which gave us enough preparation time. Everyone was expected to deliver their presentations well and everything, from the venue to the presentation itself, would have already been set up. Unfortunately, nobody had anticipated that a single action would later ruin the entire meeting, proving once again that we truly hadn't changed since (if only I had powers so I could have saved everyone that day). We were just the same students Sir RSG had always known, having the same attitude.

Yesterday morning, we were informed that our 9-5 pm class would be shortened to 1-5 pm since Sir RSG had an unexpected appointment. I was partially glad but mostly disappointed. I was glad because it would give me enough time to prepare, as I had very low confidence in how my presentation would go. However, I was disappointed because I had woken up early, leaving home from Samal at 6:30 am just to arrive at school on time (there's no guarantee that I would make it to school on time, considering the uncertain travel situation via Babak). Besides, I hate being late, which meant I couldn't be late myself.

As soon as I was informed about the new schedule, I went straight to our apartment to rest, and by 12 nn, I went to school, not anticipating that being an hour early for class could actually save everyone, had I known about the challenge we were about to face later.

By 1 pm, Sir RSG was already in class with us, although some classmates were missing (again, latecomers), and scenes were about to unfold.

It all started when everyone was queuing up to connect their USB drives to the device where the LCD projector was connected. We were approximately 40 students in the Future Tech class, all of whom were expected to have a copy of their presentations on the device so that when it was our turn to present, the file would be readily available. This meant that one USB after another would be inserted into the device until everyone was done. Perhaps you can imagine the scenario now.

It was taking forever, and watching everyone, I got impatient. I could only imagine Sir's thoughts at that time. Everything felt like it was in slow motion.

Eventually, Sir RSG had to say something, and we all looked like children being scolded (which we deserved).

True, it was all about attitude, our attitude. We hadn't changed. I know for myself that I hadn't made much effort to improve.

Sir RSG asked us how we got to that point, how we came to bear such an attitude. I quietly answered that I chose to be at that point. However, there could be other factors affecting my attitude: the environment, the trends in society's values, the family who raised me, my perception that developed over time on what is good and what is not good. We shape our actions, we develop our attitude, and I am truly guilty about what I showed yesterday. That was not my best attitude.

I reflected on my actions yesterday. I could have used the time more effectively. Or I could have reacted better to the situation and come up with a solution.

But it's done; it already happened. I may have regrets, but they also come with lessons.

Even though our class turned out to be a personal discussion, Sir RSG somehow managed to discuss future tech. He talked about cyberpunks, AI, and how they could further challenge our morals. My thoughts went as far as how humanity is held together by our ethics and beliefs, and if these are replaced by technology, we would eventually be broken and go back to square one.

Anyway, let me leave you with this thought: Intelligence may pave the path to success, but it is one's attitude that ensures they stay on that path.