Describe a person who encouraged you to achieve your goal

In life, we all have someone who serves as a beacon of inspiration and encouragement, helping us to navigate through our challenges and reach our goals. For me, that person is my maternal uncle, a well-respected educator in our community in Punjab. He has been a guiding light, offering wisdom and support when I needed it the most.

My uncle encouraged me when I was preparing for my Graduate Record Examinations (GRE), a crucial step towards my dream of studying abroad. Recognizing my potential and my apprehensions, he took it upon himself to ensure I remained focused and motivated. He often shared his own experiences of overcoming obstacles and achieving success, which were not just tales of his triumphs but lessons for me to imbibe.

He motivated me by setting up a structured study plan and regularly checking in on my progress. He would say, “The early bird catches the worm,” emphasizing the importance of diligence and consistency. Whenever I felt overwhelmed, he reminded me that “Rome wasn’t built in a day,” encouraging me to take one step at a time and not lose sight of the bigger picture.

With his support, I managed to score exceptionally well in my GRE exam, securing admission to a prestigious university abroad. This achievement has been a turning point in my life, opening up new horizons and opportunities.

I hold my uncle in the highest regard. His unwavering belief in my abilities and his practical support were instrumental in my success. He has taught me the invaluable lesson that with the right guidance and perseverance, even the loftiest goals are within reach. His influence continues to resonate with me, reminding me that behind every success story, there is often a mentor who played a pivotal role.

Follow Up Questions

1.     Do you think children are more likely to achieve their goals if they are encouraged?

Definitely, children are more likely to achieve their goals if they receive encouragement. Positive reinforcement boosts their confidence and motivates them to strive for success. When children feel supported, they are more willing to take on challenges and persist through difficulties.

2.     What should parents do if their children don’t want to study?

If children are reluctant to study, parents should try to understand the underlying reasons. They should create a supportive learning environment and make education enjoyable by incorporating interactive and engaging methods. Encouraging curiosity and setting realistic goals can also help spark interest in studies.

3.     Who do you think should set goals for children?

Ideally, goal-setting for children should be a collaborative effort between parents, teachers, and the children themselves. This ensures that the goals are realistic, achievable, and aligned with the child’s interests and abilities. Involving children in the process also gives them a sense of ownership and responsibility.

4.     Who plays a more important role in children’s education, parents or teachers?

Both parents and teachers play crucial roles in children’s education. Parents provide the foundational values and support at home, while teachers offer academic instruction and structured learning experiences. A balanced partnership between both is essential for a child’s holistic development.

5.     Is money the only motivation for people to work hard?

No, money is not the only motivation for people to work hard. Other factors include personal satisfaction, passion for the work, recognition, career growth, and the desire to make a positive impact. Many people find fulfillment in achieving goals and contributing to something greater than themselves.

6.     Which is more important, competition or cooperation?

Both competition and cooperation are important in different contexts. Competition can drive individuals to excel and innovate, while cooperation fosters teamwork and collective problem-solving. A balanced approach that incorporates both can lead to the most effective and harmonious outcomes.

7.     Why is it important for teenagers to set goals?

Setting goals is crucial for teenagers as it helps them develop a sense of direction and purpose. Goals provide motivation and focus, encouraging teenagers to work towards their aspirations and build self-discipline. This practice also helps them develop planning and time-management skills that are valuable in adulthood.

8.     What will encourage children to learn more?

Children can be encouraged to learn more through positive reinforcement, engaging and interactive learning activities, and by fostering a love of discovery. Providing a supportive and stimulating environment, along with recognizing and celebrating their achievements, also encourages a love for learning.

9.     Do parents and teachers punish children nowadays?

While punishment is still used, many parents and teachers are increasingly adopting positive discipline strategies. These strategies focus on guiding and teaching children rather than punishing them. Methods like time-outs, loss of privileges, and constructive conversations about behaviour are preferred over traditional punitive measures.

10. Who do you think has greater influence on the goal-setting of children, teachers or parents?

Both teachers and parents significantly influence children’s goal-setting, but parents often have a greater impact. Parents’ involvement and expectations shape children’s attitudes and aspirations from an early age. However, teachers also play a critical role by providing guidance, feedback, and academic goals that complement the broader objectives set by parents.

USEFUL VOCABULARY

·        A beacon of inspiration: Something or someone that provides guidance, motivation, or encouragement.

·        Navigate: To find one’s way through or around something, often metaphorically referring to solving problems or challenges.

·        Apprehensions: Feelings of anxiety or fear about something that may happen.

·        Tales of triumphs: Stories of successes or victories.

·        Imbibe: To absorb or take in something, often referring to knowledge, ideas, or values.

·        The early bird catches the worm: A proverb meaning those who act promptly or arrive early are more likely to succeed.

·        Diligence: Careful and persistent effort or work.

·        Consistency: Acting or behaving in the same way over time; reliability.

·        Overwhelmed: Feeling completely inundated or unable to cope with a situation or task.

·        Rome wasn’t built in a day: A proverb meaning that achieving significant goals takes time and patience.

·        Unwavering: Firm and steady; not changing or faltering.

·        Loftiest: Highest in rank, importance, or ambition.

·        Resonate: To evoke a strong emotional response or connection.

·        Mentor: A trusted advisor or guide who provides support and advice, often in a professional or educational context.

·        Pivotal: Of crucial importance; central or essential.

·        Reinforcement: The act of strengthening or supporting something.

·        Strive: To make great efforts or attempt to achieve something.

·        Persist: To continue firmly or obstinately despite difficulty or opposition.

·        Reluctant: Unwilling or hesitant to do something.

·        Curiosity: A strong desire to know or learn about something.

·        Spark: To ignite or inspire; to bring about or stimulate.

·        Holistic: Considering the whole or complete system, rather than focusing on individual parts.

·        Fosters: Encourages or promotes the development or growth of something.

·        Harmonious: Marked by agreement, compatibility, or peaceful coexistence.

·        Stimulating: Provoking interest, excitement, or enthusiasm.

·        Punitive: Intended as a punishment; disciplinary or corrective in nature.