Love for Learning

A Motivational Piece Before School In Yemen, there is a very large Islamic religious school. Its name is Darul Mustofa. The school's leader and teachers are pious kyais and habibs. One day, a student from Indonesia complained to his teacher. He was already despairing, as he could never grasp his studies. He felt hopeless and just wanted to return to Indonesia. “Teacher, I just want to go home. I feel like I can't do anything; my other friends master all the subject matter, while I can't keep up with them. I've been studying here for 4 years, and I haven't been able to memorize anything.” “No, my child, don't. Just wait another 10 years, and you will surely be smart and useful.” “No, teacher, no. I just want to go home.” “Is your resolve firm, my child?” “Yes, teacher.” “Alright, wait a moment.” The teacher went into his house, then came out carrying a stack of letters. The letters were sent by the student's mother. At that school, there was a rule that students were not allowed to read any letters sent by their mother or father until they were about to return home. Perhaps this was to ensure the students' concentration remained unbroken. “Now, my child, read these letters, then tell me about them.” “Alright, teacher.” The student read the letters; sometimes he laughed, smiled, and his face lit up. The teacher continued to observe from a distance. “How is it, my child, have you finished reading all your mother's letters?” “Yes, teacher!” said the student. “Good, then tell me what the entire content of those letters is!” The student recounted with a beaming face, from the first letter to the last. He had memorized the many stacked letters and could recount them. After he finished telling the story, the teacher asked, “How many times did you read those many letters to memorize them so well?” The student replied, “Once, teacher.” “Then why were you able to memorize them? Do you know the secret?” “No, teacher.” “You were able to memorize so many letters because you love your mother. So, anything that comes from your mother brings great joy to your heart.” (Retold and narrated by the author's parents). Friends, actually, there's only one tip to become smart, brilliant, and easily grasp all lessons. Love the subject. That's it. And love the teacher who teaches it, then if we are diligent and work hard, we will surely succeed. Greetings of success, friends.