20 September, 2024
Bhawna Khanna
My faith and respect for doctors have deepened profoundly today, thanks to my remarkable experience with two senior physicians—an oncologist and a plastic surgeon—at a highly reputed hospital. Their humility, empathy, and dedication were truly inspiring and compelled me, as an educator, to reflect on the values we are instilling in the younger generation. These doctors, who have spent countless years specializing, conducting research, and advancing the field of medicine, serve as shining examples of perseverance, hard work, and service to society. Despite their vast expertise and the significant demands of their profession, they remain deeply rooted in qualities of humility and compassion—attributes that are increasingly rare yet essential in our fast-paced, achievement-driven world.
This experience has made me critically question whether our current educational practices are adequately equipping the new generation with such values. Are we, perhaps, overindulging them at every step, focusing more on instant gratification than on cultivating the resilience, empathy, and dedication needed to excel in their chosen fields? In a time when academic success often takes precedence over personal growth, we must ask ourselves: Are we preparing them for the complexities of real-world challenges, or are we shielding them too much?
One crucial aspect that stands out is the growing need for young children to be comfortable with hearing “no” and to understand that failure is not a dead end but a stepping stone toward growth. In today’s society, we often protect children from disappointment or failure, depriving them of learning the invaluable life skill of resilience. Being able to accept a “no” gracefully, or to face failure and try again, is critical for developing the perseverance and emotional strength required to navigate life’s challenges.
The senior doctors I encountered exemplify what it means to not only achieve professional excellence but to do so while maintaining a deep sense of humility and responsibility to others. Their qualities of compassion, selflessness, and being grounded, however, seem to be fading in significance among the younger generation, who are often more preoccupied with personal success and external validation than with contributing meaningfully to society. Accepting failure, understanding limits, and learning from adversity are skills that we, as educators and parents, must consciously instill in children from an early age.
As educators and mentors, it is our responsibility to nurture these timeless virtues in our students. We must encourage them to embrace failure as an opportunity for growth rather than something to be feared. Learning to accept “no” and move forward with resilience prepares them for the real world, where things don’t always go as planned. By fostering this mindset, we build their inner strength, helping them develop the perseverance and empathy that will serve them well in any field they choose to pursue.
It is not enough to cultivate academic brilliance or technical skill alone—without a foundation of values like humility, integrity, and compassion, true success is incomplete. Children need to learn that success is not only about achieving goals but also about how they handle the journey—accepting setbacks, listening to constructive criticism, and understanding that they cannot always get what they want.
In a world where technological advancements and instant gratification often overshadow the importance of human connection and personal sacrifice, we must guide the younger generation to understand the profound impact of these qualities. Humility, empathy, and perseverance are not merely abstract concepts but are foundational attributes that can elevate their professional and personal lives to new heights. We must inspire them to take pride not only in their achievements but in how they achieve them—with grace, kindness, and a sense of responsibility to the greater good.
This reflection serves as a reminder that true greatness lies not only in what we accomplish but in how we approach the journey—with a mindset of continuous learning, compassion for others, and a deep-seated commitment to making the world a better place. It is up to us, as educators, parents, and role models, to ensure that the next generation understands and embodies these values in every aspect of their lives, particularly in accepting failure and rejection as integral parts of success.