About Hardwork and Success

These past few days I have been led to think about hard work in learning.
I have the privilege of being their lecturer and this week and the coming week we have some speaking projects and presentation. I must admit that I was very surprise at the poor level of English Skills that English Department students have. I was reminded that they are only on their 1st semester. I do believe in the notion that every students have potentials so I convince myself to hold on to the fact that they will improve.

On the other hand, also within this week, I was confronted with some of the most outrageous excuses ever made by students that made me question their seriousness in studying. I have decided to make a list of the excuses and left the person out. I would like to share it for the reason of documentation and for future pondering.

Reasons for when are late and not attending the MID-Term Test

1. I am not used to wake up early in the morning (The Test was at 8.30 AM)
2. I am not a morning person.
3. I have never have to wake up early in the morning
4. I don't have money to go to campus
5. I forgot the scheduled time
6. I don't get the information
7. I was feeling sick (however, this sts did not contact me before/during test. and instead come few days later)
8. I have some family problem

Reasons for not submitting assignment on time

1. The program in my laptop was (magically) erased
2. My Mozilla won't work
3. I was caught sick in the middle of my work
4. I don't have money to rent a computer or to go to internet (although they can submit handwritten work or go to Library)
5. My file was erased just as I was about to

Reasons for not attending class (without notice or permission)

1. I was feeling unwell that day
2. I have family problem
3. My father hasn't sent me money for transportation (the students was with a high end latest hand phone and full make-up face)
4. I got my period
5. I was tired from my other class
6. I had a fight with my classmates

So... as I am holding tight to the hope that they will improve. The improvement can only happen with my students put on some hard work and really serious with their learning.