Old School Days
My elementary school was strict, traditional, and academically focused—nothing else. We had tons of homework, and though none of us were particularly enthusiastic about it, we had to complete it to avoid punishment. As time passed, it felt as though we were becoming like robots, losing our sense of individuality.
The school constantly reminded us that unless we excelled academically, we were nobody. Our main goal was simply to pass the entrance exam and move on to middle school.
Life wasn’t always fair. I was able to overcome all the obstacles and entered the best middle school, not because of luck, but because of the solid foundation built during my early years. I achieved perfect scores in math—I remembered all the answers since we had practiced the same problems more than a hundred times. Teachers also made us memorize great pieces of literature and recite them in front of the whole class. People often wonder how I could possibly remember everything, and all I can say is that the early childhood training was not in vain.
Leaving elementary school behind was a relief—I was eager to step into the new territory of middle school. However, once I met all the highly intelligent students there, things took a turn. I was no longer the standout student I had been in elementary school, and my grades began to slip. The high expectations from my parents weighed heavily on me, and the changes happening in my body only made everything feel more overwhelming. For the first time, I felt completely lost and disappointed in myself, wishing someone could have guided me through this tough transition. Unfortunately, I had to figure it out on my own.
Despite the challenges, I am deeply grateful to my parents and teachers. They lived through difficult times, with limited job opportunities and resources. Yet, they dedicated themselves to teaching us what they believed was best for our futures. Without their guidance and the solid academic foundation they gave us, I would not have had the chance to thrive in a world where academic achievement was everything.
Looking back, the skills I developed in elementary school—especially in arithmetic—have shaped much of my career today. More than just memorizing facts, the discipline and focus I learned helped me think critically and solve problems in ways that still benefit me. I also realized that the difficulties I faced, both academically and personally, taught me resilience. They helped me expand the boundaries of what I thought I could achieve and fostered a deeper awareness of my potential. Though challenging, those experiences became the foundation for the person I am today.
Every educational method has its pros and cons, and children are all unique with different strengths and weaknesses. I consider myself fortunate to have adapted to the traditional teaching methods of my time, which ultimately allowed me to thrive. While the system wasn’t perfect, it taught me invaluable lessons—about perseverance, resilience, and the importance of self-awareness—that continue to shape my life today.