I have recently watched the Bollywood movie "3 Idiots" and I must say that I enjoyed the three-hour movie. The film is a sad depiction of the attitude of most students towards education. This could be captured by the the passage written by Rizal in his novel El Filibusterismo, "pumapasok noon sa kolehiyo, hindi upang matuto mag-aral kundi upang matapos ang kurso."
On a different note, the reason I liked this movie, apart from I being able to relate to it, is the originality of the plot juxtaposed to the traditional boy meets girl romance storyline employed by Philippine movies -a sad commentary on the state of Philippine cinemas.
Going back to the plot of the movie, Rancho -a mechanical engineering student in a prestigious institute of higher learning in India, complains about how flawed the current education system which suppresses critical thinking and creativity is, and how most students turn a blind eye for the sake of obtaining a diploma -not necessarily gaining knowledge.
Pondering on this, I remembered how back in preschool up to high school, students were always asked of what they wanted to be when they grow up and the reply was usually to become a successful doctor or lawyer or whatever vocation. But how does one really measure success? Is it through one's monthly income? one's fame, prestige or influence?
Nevertheless, during my stay in college, I cannot remember an instance wherein one is encouraged to study or work harder in order to be successful. It was always to work hard in order to excel in a certain field. Excellence -and not success, was the goal. Hence, I agree with Rancho when he said that a student's attitude should be towards striving excellence not success. For in excellence, success will automatically follow. One must therefore study with utmost passion for gaining knowledge and achieving excellence and not for the sole purpose of getting a diploma and landing a good job. I guess that is the lesson that most students miss or forget upon entering college. It is not so bad relearning it again.
AHL IZ WELL. AHL IS WELL.