One day, early 2007, while working with one of my students at the Performa Lab, I heard him utter loads of words under his breath. These words sounded more like curses.
Some of the words sounded like he was echoing them just the way he heard it. He was literally imitating the tone of the voice and the facial expression that came with it.
Speaking to his mom, I found out where all this came from. As the young chap was difficult to handle at home, he used to be sent for tuition classes as soon as he got back from school. The tuition teacher couldn't give the attention the boy needed and used to give him a share of bad vocab and also beat him up. And... yes our young man hated his tuition teacher.
At such young age, this boy was filled with hurtful memories and was also prone to Attention deficit problems that affected his learning capabilities. I remember when he used to be at the office, he had the power to charm anybody...engage u in a few of his favorite questions (ie: hav u watched dhoom 2?) lol!!... but get him to sit and give you five minutes of his attention that would be very difficult.
For any child, early foundations are so critical (developmental psychologists agree)... the words he/she hears have the power to influence his thought and action.
Do u find people dis-respecting kids?... Speak up!
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Sunday, June 5, 2011
being Khalid...
Last month while visiting Muscat I met Khalid.
Not everyone can be Khalid.
He consented to meet us one evening at the Chedi Hotel. May be if you havent met Omani nationals, I need to tell you that they are some of the most hospitable people on the planet. They'll make you feel so warm and so welcome! Khalid was no different.
Simplicity, Humility, and just the openess to talk and converse... I was taken aback.
You need to know ... Khalid is no ordinary guy.
Khalid is the first person from Oman to climb Mount Everest.
I should say we had a great conversation. We spoke for close to 2 hours. He brought with him an album containing pics of his Everest feat.. It was beautiful. He shared that the mountains were always his passion. He shared about the importance of both mental and physical training in mountain climbing. Also that thesedays, corporates invite him to share his stories.
Again... what stands out to me most among everything - Khalid has no airs about him... Nothing at all. He seemed so human. He wanted to know about what I was doing... I shared about my work... gave me some insight about how to go about things.. man.. He was genuine!
I have met 'few' people who have made it real BIG... but yet live ordinary lives and are willing to catch up with you over a cup of coffee =)
I'd say it takes character... being Khalid!
Not everyone can be Khalid.
He consented to meet us one evening at the Chedi Hotel. May be if you havent met Omani nationals, I need to tell you that they are some of the most hospitable people on the planet. They'll make you feel so warm and so welcome! Khalid was no different.
Simplicity, Humility, and just the openess to talk and converse... I was taken aback.
You need to know ... Khalid is no ordinary guy.
Khalid is the first person from Oman to climb Mount Everest.
I should say we had a great conversation. We spoke for close to 2 hours. He brought with him an album containing pics of his Everest feat.. It was beautiful. He shared that the mountains were always his passion. He shared about the importance of both mental and physical training in mountain climbing. Also that thesedays, corporates invite him to share his stories.
Again... what stands out to me most among everything - Khalid has no airs about him... Nothing at all. He seemed so human. He wanted to know about what I was doing... I shared about my work... gave me some insight about how to go about things.. man.. He was genuine!
I have met 'few' people who have made it real BIG... but yet live ordinary lives and are willing to catch up with you over a cup of coffee =)
I'd say it takes character... being Khalid!
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