Dear World,
Define the verb, read
verb
/riːd/
discover (information) by reading it in a written or printed source.
As a college educated human, for some reason, fulfilling the requirements of this Bloganuary prompt was quite the task. I had no idea how to approach it. I debated in my head whether or not to talk up the tertiary institutions I attended or aspire to attend. I’m choosing not to do that. Instead…
For all the time I spent at university, one statement constantly rings in my ears – you read for your degree.
When I initially heard it, boy, oh boy, did it grind my gears.
If I had questions for lecturers, tutors, administrative staff, and the like, their response at the end of the day was always about me reading for my degree. It felt as though no one wanted to help me get around or understand. I quickly learned that people choose to do those things. If you get them, you’re fortunate. If you don’t, you’re still fortunate – you’ll just have more responsibility to find that which you seek.
Ultimately, through bouts of frustration and lucidity, I gathered and understood it to mean that questions are often a waste of energy. Instead of questioning and expecting the answer, seek the knowledge for yourself by reading the appropriate sources, questioning them, and reading some more. Relying on being given the answer because you asked nicely was (and still is) a sure way to fall behind.
The mistake many make in their interpretation of the statement ‘read for your degree’ is that they applied it only to academia. They only read to get that in-class task, assignment, project, and exam done. However, to be so successful that one’s potential is realised and redefined upon breaking glass ceilings, requires the continued practice of reading beyond what the curriculum presents.
Prior to my college days, I learned in a high school sociology class that learning occurs from the womb to the tomb. As such, you never stop learning, and in order to learn, reading is integral.
The Lesson
Bear in mind that reading isn’t an action dependent only on functional physical eyesight. Not all of us are so blessed. There’s also mental fortitude and a willingness to learn, unlearn, and relearn. This is especially true since all information isn’t the right information.
Take history lessons, for example. The stories are written and told by the ones in control of the narrative. We all know, or should know, that there are multiple sides to a story – many truths and even more lies.
That said, we should always read between the lines and outside of the structures of the stories laid in front of us.
Anyway. All that to say, when I was told to “read for my degree,” I learned to extend said reading and comprehension beyond the scope of curriculum.
Mek sense? Hope suh.
Signed in pensive thought,
The Suburban Girl JA
The Suburban Girl JA® 