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With report cards coming, students get but some of it comes with fear or expectations. Some are celebrating, many are worrying about “needs improvement” or “can do better.” But really, are report card comments the drivers of a child’s potential in life? Especially on World Students’ Day, observed on the birthday anniversary of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, it’s good to recall his golden words:

“Education gives creativity, Creativity leads to thinking, Thinking provides knowledge, Knowledge makes you great.

Marks Are Not the Final Destination

Grade sheets track academic performance, but they don’t reveal creativity, curiosity, kindness, and courage, or dreams. Most of the great minds were average in their schools but extraordinary in life. If Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam had failures, he also became the Missile Man of India and one of the most beloved Presidents.

Students must understand,

1. Marks may be used to measure one’s progress, but they can’t measure his potential.

2. Grades represent results, but learning represents growth.

3. One comment cannot define a lifetime.

What Students Should Truly Focus On

Being a student is not just about scoring high; it’s about becoming a good human being. A real student focuses on:

1. Practice learning, not memorization: Ask questions, investigate, and be curious.

2. Values and ethics: Showing respect for teachers, classmates, and diversity.

3. Work hard and persevere: Don’t give up, even after failure.

4. Discipline and character: A focus on discipline opens the door to self-control, which then leads to honesty.

Dr. Kalam was always the dogged proponent of dreams. He said, “A Dream is not what you see in sleep but the thing that doesn’t let you sleep.” So, rather than fret over comments, students should inquire — “What am I learning from this?”

The Role of Schools in Shaping Students

Schools like MNR Scottsdale have a part to play as they help students develop beyond the scope of textbooks. A great school doesn’t just impart lessons; it instills confidence, fosters curiosity, and helps to shape character.

At MNR Scottsdale:

- Children are encouraged to think freely and express ideas.

- Teachers focus on each child’s unique talents.

- Values such as teamwork, respect, and leadership are nurtured daily.

- Activities, sports, and innovation are given equal importance as academics.

The True Meaning of Education

Learning isn’t just in report cards. True education means:

1. Learning is knowledge – what’s right and bad.

2. Building character – remaining honest and respectful.

3. Developing bravery – tackling problems with your head held high.

4. Communication skills learning to express ideas clearly as well as with respect.

Dr. Kalam always used to say, “Never stop learning, students!” He would go to schools, hang out with the kids, and tell them they could have big dreams as well as big scores.

Why Words Should Not Hurt, Yet Guide

Yes, sometimes comments disappoint. Instead of interpreting them as judgment, students and parents should see these not-so-stellar results as feedback.

“Needs improvement” implies there’s a place to go.

“Can do better” means someone thinks you have potential.

“Excellent” signals that hard work is paying off- keep it up.

Remember, every big personality has seen a failure. It wasn’t any one comment that made them successful; it was their commitment to get better.

In Conclusion

On this World Students’ Day, we shall not celebrate marks, but minds. Report cards show where you are, but your dreams reveal who you can become.

Are we reminded of grades anywhere when we take Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s name? He saw an entire world in every child.

So dear students, MNR Scottsdale, the school that focuses on the holistic development of children, we encourage every student to just be yourself and keep learning. Study to learn, not just to score.

Emphasize character, not just the report card.

And never forget: You are too big for any comment.