I decided to write this because my family had this very interesting conversation about jobs, work, and education etc...And my brother-in-law brought up an extremely good point about places such as retail stores (ones without commission) and fast food joints that do not really give their employees a deserving raise per year to having none. Most of the family tried ot explain to him that that's the way it works and the world is like that especially with these big places. But his point was not that. His point was defending the person who may actualy ENJOY his job working at a place like that and can never get to move up or a decent salary for something that particular individual works extremely hard for. Why can't it be about performance. It's all about control.
And I whole heartedly agreed with him. As a society we decided to agree that you need to have a college eudcation to be successful. Which unfortunately is true, especially in developed prospering countries. And that's how it works and it's fine. But what sucks about that is, not everyone is meant to study. And I know this from experience. There are many levels of intelligence. Not just book smarts.
You can be intelligent in the following areas:
-Scolar Intelligence (book smarts)
-Physical intelligence (good with manual work, like construction for example, or putting things together, or athletics)
- Scientifically intelligent
- Artisitically intelligent (anythng from drawing to dance, understanding rythm)
NOTE: I have always been amazed in how a perosn cna be such a great composer for example. being able to pick up a guitar or piano and just find the right notes to create a masterpiece. I had piano lessons and I was pretty good but I could never be able to figure out how to but notes together to create something new!
- even being socially or psychologically intelligent - this relates in understanding society and even emotions. And that is a good field to be smart in ;)
and there's more. And each can have their own subdivision of course. But as a society we are told if you don't know math you are dumb, or you can't read you are stupid. But you give that guy who can't read a math problem and he solves it in 2 seconds, or one guy might be a wiz in math and science but will never be able to learn to draw a cat. Some people really can't do certain things. Or it's not for them. So we push and push people to do things they don,t like to do because it's what we were conditioned to do.
And I feel for those who have these gifts and talents but can't use them because they never had the support. don't get me wrong, because I am an educated person. I have a bachelor's in Environmental Studies and a degree in Aircraft Assembly. And I am going for my certification as a Fitness Nutritionist. I like to do my own research. I am a researcher. I like finding answers. But with all that education I have on my belt, I decided to open up my own gym teaching Senshido, health and fitness, combative sports etc. Why? Because it's what I wanted to do. It was a dream I want to fulfill. And we have got to stop preventing people especially our kids from not pursuing what they really want.
Not everyone was meant to sit in class and memorize (which is what most education is about right now) a bunch of information to end up doing something they hate in life. And then people think they are dumb or even worse that they aren't working hard enough. Most of the time, they are wrong. Yes, there are lazy people who don't care but that's not the issue. I'm talking about the ones who have to try 10,20,50 times harder than most people to focus on a mere sentence. Those same people however, may be able to make the most beautiful masterpieces, or become the leading role in a broadway play. They may not make the real money for it but they will be happier in life.
How many of you hate your job that you studied 5-10 years for? Is that what you really want for your kids? to be unhappy in the end. some people are happy with their studying and their job which is great! But MANY people will not.
I have been around Senshido for over 11 years. And I have seen first hand Senshido is about evolving. Senshido evolved as a self defense system. And now is a self defense for self development. And it would be great if society would do the same. I think we need to encourage people to go for their dream. And it's true, some and many may not reach their dream but there is always a chance. It may be cheesy and to some maybe unrealistic, but we got to be positive! I've seen too many times where a kid wants to do something and they couldn't because they were simply told "No, it's a waste of time and money" or " you know that job doesn't make alot of money... "How do you know that that kid couldn't end up being the next superstar or the best comicbook artist.
In conclusion, we just have to have a little more encouragement. And if someone - if YOU have a dream go for it! You have to work hard for it though, so don't misread this blog as some magical positive thinking words (although there can be something 'magical' with positivity). It's about support, showing you love the people you say you care about by giving them the chance in fulfilling their dream. If my fiancé did not support what I was doing I don't even think I would have tried. And you know what? I'm damn happy :)
Wes Derequito
Ara Academy Owner/Head Instructor
Senshido Team Member
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