Earlier this week, during my regular video call with family members in Kerala, I noticed that my usually-chirpy niece seemed all sullen.
“Your niece here has gotten too comfortable with online classes and is sulking about having to go back to school starting November 1,” said my sister laughing.
“Aaha, let me talk to her,” I said. We had an interesting conversation which went on like this.
Niece: Hello uncle, have an interesting story for me this time too?
Ajay: Haha, no dear, no story this time. But I have a question for you.
Niece: What’s that?
Ajay: What do you wish to become when you grow up?
Niece: A successful entrepreneur
Ajay: That’s flattering! You know, I picked up many of my skills that helped me as an entrepreneur from my classrooms.
Niece: What does classroom offer which online class doesn’t?
Ajay: Tell me this, when was the last time you helped a friend do an assignment or sought help from a friend to complete your group project or had to overcome your fears to present a seminar in front of your entire class?
Niece: Umm.. I think when I was in school. But isn’t it good that I can present a seminar sitting in my comfort zone instead of doing it in front of the whole class?
Ajay: Is it? Because to be an entrepreneur is to get out of your comfort zone. Physical classroom shapes your communication skills, interpersonal skills, leadership capabilities, ability to tackle challenges and social skills like no virtual classroom can. In front of the screen, you are just you. In the classroom you are a team player and a social being. I don’t think I need to tell you how important all those are to grow as an entrepreneur.
Niece: Yeah, I get it
Ajay: You need to be careful and cautious of course in the current situation. At the policy level too it should be ensured that all precautions are in place. If those can be assured, then it’s high time you get back to school.
Niece: You are right. I guess I grew too comfortable and didn’t realise how much I have been missing my school and friends. I can’t wait to meet them now!