Not Everything Worth Knowing Is In The Syllabus

During my first year as a university student, I got to know a particular law student who was extraordinarily brilliant. He was the top student in his faculty and was famous for taking tutorials every Saturday. One Saturday, I wanted to meet the famous person whom everyone just wouldn't stop talking about. I attended one of his tutorials and as a matter of fact, he was indeed the person people rumored him to be. The lecture was on a GST course, and he taught it really well. He spoke fluently and eloquently. I also heard rumors from some of my coursemates about how he bagged a 5.0 CGPA. When I saw him in full form; the way he approached subjects and gesticulated, I concluded that he was indeed a masterpiece crafted by God himself. In my words, “This particular person is extremely brilliant. How did he get there?”

Interestingly, three years after my encounter with this “masterpiece crafted by God himself,” I found out that, although this guy is an academic guru, he is not what he seems to be on the outside. I found out that this guy invites girls to his hostel all in the name of “tutorials,” then he forces himself on them. One of his victims shared a story about how she went to him and complained that she was finding it difficult to understand a course. He invited her to his hostel and promised that they would cover the course from the first page to the last. Happily, the girl went to his hostel only for him to start touching her inappropriately. Luckily, she was able to escape. At first, I did not want to believe what I heard, but after confirming with three other people (who are my friends), my jaw dropped. I was disappointed. This person is academically brilliant, yet, he sucks on the inside.

Today’s Hive Learner’s topic is: LITERACY. The community asks us if literacy makes an individual a better person. I agree that literacy is important, but you need more than that to be called a wise person. I'm sure you agree with me that there are so many degree holders who still behave like illiterates. Don’t quote me wrong, I am not against the school of thought that education is important. When it comes to opportunities, a literate person will most likely be chosen over an illiterate. For example, most job opportunities out there require a degree.

The community also asks us if literacy makes individuals better parents or better neighbors. Where I grew up, most of my neighbors were illiterate. While some managed to further their education to the secondary level, others stopped at the primary level. One of the families in my neighborhood was known for always fighting. Whenever they fight, they don’t take things calmly, they yell at the top of their voices so other people can hear. They come out of their houses and exchange blows. Although this scenario also happens among literates, it is rare. The fact is that literacy will help you make good and sensible decisions. However, it doesn't make you a good person. The things you need to become a good neighbor, friend, partner, and parent, are not always taught in the four walls of education.

Does being learned mean people will be less inclined to hurt their friends or people close to them?

This reminds me of one of my coursemates. This person is one of the class toppers. They are fluent and eloquent. They also get good grades. But during tests and exams, they hide their notes from other students even their roommate. When I heard about this, I didn't know what to think. Why exactly are you hiding your notes? Why do you hide information from your roommate? Do you want to succeed alone? Does the thought of succeeding alone and seeing other people pass please you? I had so many questions to ask, but people replied to my question, “They are academically good, but senseless in other aspects.”

Literacy means a lot in today’s world. Not only will you be respected, but it can also put food on your table, well, depending on how you choose to go about life. However, there are still many things to learn beyond books and education.

Thumbnail is mine

Thanks for reading.