LETTER TO PUPILS

LETTER TO PUPILS

I have to tell you that pupils in Britain say the same as most of you, about school. For example, "I hate school". I understand (I went to school too), but think about this … if you work hard for these few years, the rest of your life will be really good. If you 'play' in your school years, the rest of your life won't be much fun. I think you must agree that this is logical.

"I hate physics (or maths, or history)". Again, I understand. It's great planning where you'll put your things in a new house, but first you have to build it … work to dig a big hole, carry bricks and concrete, and get dirty. Without a good foundation, the house will fall down one day. This is the real problem at school … modern physics, talking about time travel for example, is fascinating, but first you have to be sure of the basic knowledge, which is a bit boring at times. Stick at it, you need to build well for your future. These few years pass quicker than you think.

"I hate the teacher", the oldest complaint of all. Your teachers do the job because they like young people: they have passed many university exams, and have something you need - knowledge! Try to understand your teachers, try to help them get through the syllabus, and you will be the winner! They have to do the same thing every year, but you will be able to move on, if you succeed.

I very much like your school, and the pupils I have met. Always remember that things could be worse - Poland will need a generation of new lawyers and doctors and directors in a few years time … please try to be one of them, to help your country as well as yourself. Don't be a 'passenger', but fight to be on top!

Enough lecture! I hope to meet more of you, and wish all of you all the best in your lives, both here, and when you move onwards and upwards, as I am sure you will.

John Anderson.