Each student should run their race

Latwell Nyangu-Youth Interactive Writer

College brings a new environment, novel situations, and different expectations.

And with those comes a new wave of pressure, sometimes in a form that students are not accustomed to dealing with.

I have found that while many students believe they set their own goals, they are being set by others.

Many of the students are losing their race by focusing on others. Instead, fellow students, let’s focus on our races if we want to succeed.

If we live simply to watch others accomplish their goals, then by all means we should continue to distract ourselves with their races. 

This week, I bring up the issue of running our own races as I have seen that some students are losing the fight for educational freedom by focusing on someone’s race. Some students, are not running their own races, but are following others who are running their own races.

Of interest, last week, I had a chat with some followers of this column, they were laughing at me, asking what if I run out of what to write? And they asked, what if you have exhausted everything, what are you going to write?

 I pondered a moment and responded that as long, there is the existence of human beings, I will still get something to write about. As students set new priorities or adopt different lifestyles, it exposes them to pressures that they may have resisted in the past. I think it’s fine to take stock of what others are doing every now and then as a way to see if you should raise your own bar.

In the context of education and personal development, it is essential to recognise that each student is unique, with individual strengths, weaknesses, interests, and goals.

Therefore, it is my firm belief that each student should be encouraged to “run their race”. In the academic journey. There is need to remain focused which is crucial for students to achieve success.

Focus plays a significant role in helping students stay on track, manage their time effectively, and reach their academic goals.

Last week, I saw a story about a student from a local university who was jailed for four years for stealing laptops.

I wondered what could have triggered this learner to commit such a crime.

To my observations, I think this dude, had some intentions to make some quick money, but it backfired.

Had he run his race, I am sure he could have been a free man to date.

Sadly, he will be languishing in prison for the reasons he knows that crime doesn’t pay.

When students run their races, they have the opportunity to discover their true potential and capabilities.

They learn to push past their limits, overcome setbacks, and develop the skills needed to succeed in their chosen path.

My learned friends, running one’s race enables students to explore their interests, passions, and values without being influenced by external pressures or expectations.

This self-discovery process is crucial for making informed decisions about their future and pursuing a fulfilling career.

By focusing on their journey, students build resilience and perseverance in the face of challenges. Students also learn to bounce back from failures, adapt to changing circumstances, and stay motivated despite obstacles along the way.

Running your race allows students to stay true to themselves and pursue goals that genuinely resonate with who they are.

This leads to a deeper sense of fulfilment and satisfaction in their achievements.

Just as in race where each participant has their own pace, strategy, and objectives, students should be allowed to progress at their own speed, focusing on their personal growth and aspirations.

Even parents should also encourage their college-going children to run their races as a means to recognise and celebrate their achievements and milestones.

It involves providing personalised support and guidance tailored to their specific needs and ambitions. By allowing students the freedom to pursue their interests, develop their unique talents, and set goals that are meaningful to them personally, we empower them to take ownership of their education and the future.

Running their race fosters a sense of autonomy, self-awareness, and intrinsic motivation in students.

When individuals are allowed to follow their passions and chart their paths based on their strengths and aspirations, they are more likely to be engaged in learning, persistent in overcoming challenges, and fulfilled in their accomplishments.

Advocating for each student to run their race promotes a student-centred approach to education that values diversity, individuality, and personal growth.

By embracing this philosophy, educators can better support students in realising their full potential and becoming confident, self-directed learners prepared for success in an ever-changing world.

Students should run their races to achieve their dreams because each individual has unique goals, aspirations, strengths, and weaknesses. If they can run their journey and progress, they can cultivate a sense of self-awareness, resilience, and determination that are essential for success.

Running their race will allow students to set personalised goals that align with their passions and values, rather than comparing themselves to others.

This approach fosters a growth mindset, where challenges are viewed as opportunities for learning and development rather than obstacles. The academic journey is not without its challenges, such as difficult courses, complex assignments, or exam pressure. By staying focused and maintaining a positive mindset, students can overcome obstacles more effectively and persevere through tough times.

Remaining focused requires discipline and self-control. By cultivating these qualities throughout their academic journey, students develop valuable skills that extend beyond the classroom and into their future careers. 

A lack of focus can contribute to increased stress levels among students. By staying focused on one task at a time and avoiding multitasking, students can reduce feelings of being overwhelmed and anxiety associated with academic demands.

Run your race fellow students and maintain focus throughout the academic journey as it is essential for you to succeed, develop important skills like discipline and time management, and ultimately reach your full potential.

Until we meet for a toast!

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