A father’s letter to his son
Continuing with our back-to-school series, Alex Abraham, News Editor, Gulf News, imparts useful tips to help his child survive a new year in school
Dear Aaron:
After the end of a ong ummer holiday you are going back to school. It was so good having you at home during the break, seeing you grow, enjoy yourself and learn new things. Now as you return to school, I am writing this note to tell you about how much we care for you and how we long to see you grow into a disciplined young man who will stand up for what is right and be known for the values he holds. I would like to encourage you to do your best in class and come out wiser at the end of the year. Here are a few tips to help you through the year.
1 Be yourself. We live in a worio where everyone wants to be some-body. We are constantly bombarded by news about film stars. sportsmen and larger-than-life personalities. if you want to be like them, who will be like you? Unique, in a mould of your own. Chart out your own course and work towards it. It is not the watch you wear or the computer you use or even the car you have that will set It is who you are that will difference.
2. Be humble, disciplined and responsible. Use your time well so that you do not have to scramble before an exam. Be disciplined in all that you do, including your eating habits. Avoid food that will make you lethargic and dull, and take time out to play everyday.
3. Do your best but don't be afraid to fail. You go to school primarily to study. Do this well. Listen attentively to what is being taught in class. Study hard to do your best. We know you have enough to study, so we will not put additional pressure on you. We also know that there may be times when you won't do as well as you ought to. Never mind. You can always do well the next time. Don't be afraid to fail if you are willing to learn something from it. It will hum-ble you and make you try harder the next time round.
4. Help others in need. There may be times when your friends or teachers need help. Don't hesitate to lend a helping hand. Have a heart that cares for others, that feels for those in need. Love and honour God
takes go because he wherever you care of you.
5 . whatever your parents Share with bus school, on the happens in time. during your play back home and about to know more We would love thoughts and your your friends, your the a long day at work, teachers. After you I get is to sit with greatest joy that day. moments every and talk for a few
6 . always in love Speak the truth what is right. In and stand up for you may come school and in class, where it may be across situations by telling lies. Don’t easier to get away the truth to speak do it. It is better lie conscience than and have a clear is not an easy task, and escape. This you that it will stand but you will find you grow up. in good stead when
when those from abusive language wise using it, but it is around you are for what is helpful to do so. Speak up. “A gentle answer building others but a harsh word turns away wrath, stirs up anger.”
7 . teachers, classmates Respect your Remember and parents. to school so that your teachers come with their life lessons they can share for it and learn you. Respect them those an example to from them. Be around you.
9 . and be enlightened. Study to learn your education Enjoy can put it to good knowing that you not fame may or may use. Money and of your education, come to you because will be sure that it but you can benefit you. at home.
8 . over your tongue Keep a guard to stay away It may not be cool
10 . Help your parents a team so that Work as part of done faster. Polishing we can get things and keeping your your own shoes your parents focus room tidy will help are more important. on things that
that whatever And remember in joy or sorrow, happens, whether will your parents sickness or pain, you by you. We love always stand best for you. and want the Your loving dada. (Alex Abraham) is a student (Aaron Alex Abraham Own High School, of grade 7, Our Dubai)