Education as a life example - and a beacon of hope

"(Rodrigo Contrera)

In the video where economist Marcos Lisboa explains Brazil's rather bleak situation, a compelling part is when he talks about the disregard of teachers and their peers for the students' lack of hope, who just can't seem to learn.

This is despite the salary increase granted to teachers.

Despite the vast expenses in the system that doesn't work.

Despite the lofty discussions about teaching models that never genuinely work.

I've always felt that teachers here are monstly self-centered. I have neighbors who earn quite well, but when you talk to them, they seem quite dull. I studied Philosophy - which became a film plot. Right there, I realized I wasn't like these folks who just parrot beliefs they never really hold. Just figureheads, really.

Yet in my condominium, there are many talented young boys and girls. They're directionless, but exceptional. And I became a role model among them! How did this happen?

Youths have little patience. They turn their noses up when they hear older folks talk. They believe - and most times rightly so - it's all just fluff. But when they hear something impactful, they wake up. Now even beautiful young women are keeping an eye on me!

Youths don’t fall for empty talk. They spot pretentiousness from a mile away. They need to see to believe. Yet even when they see, they crave more. They're perpetually chasing a miracle. Youths despise the mundane because it's all too predictable.

The young ones here can't quite grasp my mindset, my actions, or my reasons. They feel cornered, intimidated. They rise early, and I'm already outside, stirring up trouble. They feel dwarfed, and that drives them to learn from me - more attentively than even from their parents.

The major problem with education here is that competent professionals, as they age, fail as role models. They fade before they give up on life. Youths only heed those they respect. No use trying to captain a ship if the crew doesn’t look up to you.

I had respectable bosses. Some relatively good role models. But over time, I also realized I couldn't follow anyone. Youths who aspire big think likewise: they want freedom but need someone to teach them to soar.

Maybe having faced many adversities, I inadvertently became someone they respect (which surprises me). But it was unintentional! ;)

Arriving at this realization wasn't easy. I'll conclude with a real incident from my Philosophy internship. As an autistic level 1, I often exhibit robotic behavior in demanding situations. That’s how I was during class, monitoring some tests. A 16-year-old girl approached me for a brief chat.

She asked, "What do you teach, sir?" "Philosophy," I replied.

She softly whispered, "Wow."

Kids here yearn for someone, anyone, who can impart knowledge they lack. It needs to be someone experienced, not necessarily with advanced degrees or wealth. In essence, they're not just after education. They also seek a glimmer of hope.

(Rodrigo Contrera)

Translated by ChatGPT