.png)
In the placid interludes between sips of coffee, I, a self-professed caffeine addict, find myself ensconced within the rich tapestry of memories, woven intricately by the path I chose to traverse in order to reach the place I am right now. As I ponder over this, I am reminded of my childhood all the way back home- this path has been stressful, it has not been without impediments, everyone faces them and I, like everyone else, sure do miss my hometown, which is nestled tenderly amongst the rolling hills of Dzukou Valley, of Northeastern India.
Yet, even in this moment of reflection, the looming stacks of assignments, particularly the complexities of my Stochastic Probability Problems Course, I’m currently enrolled in, cast a shadow over this peace. The sour aftertaste of dissatisfaction persists, as I try following the steps outlined in Chegg, and still not being able to figure out- what the question is asking for? Why do I even use this approach to model the system’s transitions? Why use Markov Chains instead of for say, Monte Carlo simulations or Gaussian processes…..
Well ok, apologies for getting too technical here. As much as I love reading about these things, I absolutely have a strong disdain when it comes to doing assignments… I just don’t know why… maybe it’s just me? It always baffles me, as I stare into the glow of my laptop screen as it transforms into a beacon in this nocturnal sanctuary, where the flickering cursor dances in tandem with the rhythm of an adrenaline rush, as I try submitting that assignment before the clock reads 11:59— why are we programmed into solving problems in a particular way.
That’s what my freshman mathematics Professor for, “Partially proof-based multivariable calculus and linear algebra Course”, at college, told me- “don’t focus on getting it right, throw in a few questions, try to make sense of it- if it does not work, then start from square one. Think about the problem, not what your desired answer/solution is. The more you think the more you will love it.” This underpins not only academic research but also what drives innovation in society. Why then do we ask kids to “stop asking stupid questions?” Why are some questions stupid? Is there a fundamental misunderstanding of the profound connection between inquiry, understanding, and the fostering of a creative mindset?
From the very start of my formative years- I have been told the following: Study Constantly- to build a better future, Don’t Talk in Class, and Don’t waste time hanging out with friends. These were the tenants of being Asian, as you must see it. Growing up in such a system where conformity is often celebrated, the act of questioning is a rebellion, a silent revolution against the norm. I still remember constantly pestering my teachers back in elementary with constant questions such as- “I wanna know how plants get big. Do they eat the dirt?”, “I feel the wind, but why can’t I see it?”, “”Why does the moon glow at night? Is it a lightbulb that the rabbit on the moon turns on?”, “Why does the moon go to bed during the day?”
In today’s standard, all these would be the myriad of extremely stupid questions especially since it’s coming from a child. It’s important to ask these questions, and there are scientific explanations to these questions! If there aren’t any, then for sure it’s one of the mysteries that are yet to be discovered! Maybe that kid would be the next Newton or Tesla to figure out that puzzle. If we don’t know the answers, why don’t we just say it? Are we so egocentric- to accept that we don’t know everything! Of Course no human knows everything! Take me for instance- I absolutely despise biology, chemistry, history, or whatever that is not “Mathematics”. There are also things in math that I don’t know the answer to- that’s the reason why I am studying it in college.
Let me share an anecdote from one of my beloved childhood shows- “Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness” Who doesn’t like that show…. It’s just soooo Awesome and Cute (Referring to Po). This show is the quintessential exemplar of what it means to grow up asian. I can go on and on about how Kung Fu Panda is the greatest show to ever exist, but I would do you a favor (by not boring you out) and just talk about one episode in particular: “A Thousand and Twenty Questions”. So let me just give you a brief summary of what this episode entails:
“The episode delicately weaves between lightheartedness and purpose, showcasing characters like Po who squander the opportunity and others like Taotie, exploiting it for personal gain. This mirrors the underlying dichotomy within the Asian education system, criticized for emphasizing rote memorization over genuine comprehension. In this narrative, Tigress embodies the archetypal Asian student experience—discouraged from asking simple questions as a child, resulting in a loss of curiosity. When the villagers run out of wonders, Tigress steps up to safeguard Master Yao, surpassing her warrior role. This act symbolizes the untapped potential stifled by the rigidity of the “normal” education system.
The plot takes an unexpected turn with Taotie’s Sphere of Unerringly Accurate Acupressure, posing a threat to Kung Fu mastery. Though whimsical, it metaphorically mirrors the challenges faced by students within an outdated educational paradigm. The Kung Fu masters find themselves ensnared, akin to students entangled in the coils of an archaic learning structure.
Amidst the chaos, Tigress emerges as a symbol of resilience and intellect. Her unconventional Box Fu technique saves the day, emphasizing the need for innovation and flexibility in adversity. This poignant moment resonates with those seeking change within the confines of the Asian education system.”
While in college- I found out that this although resonating more with Asians, it applies for everyone regardless. The normalcy of our education system often dictates a linear path, where facts are memorized and regurgitated, leaving little room for the organic growth of genuine understanding. However, the act of questioning disrupts this monotony, injecting life into the otherwise sterile corridors of traditional learning. It is a catalyst for critical thinking, a tool that transforms a passive recipient of information into an active participant in the process of knowledge acquisition. So let’s start by encouraging students to ask questions! Lets encourage these future researches, lets not kill the natural instinct of growth. Every human is born with a potential to be the next changemaker, but not many are able to conform to this, owing to societal conformation.
Comments