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A Lesson from My Friend Renke |
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After finishing our math class, my good friend Renke and I came out of the
classroom and saw his mom waiting to pick him up. We decided to walk home
together and chatted along the way. When we passed by a bookstore, Renke's mom
said, "If I leave Renke here alone, he probably won't be able to find his way
home."
I was stunned! Renke, who was 12 years old and one of the top students in our
class, couldn't find his way home from just 500 meters away? I thought his mom
was joking, but Renke nodded his head, confirming that it was true!
Renke was a smart kid, much smarter than me. He always excelled in academics and
math competitions. However, he was also a bit spoiled and depended on his
parents for almost everything outside of school. Going to the park, swimming,
going to the internet café, or ice skating – he needed someone to take care of
him. Even today, when we were supposed to go home together, his mom still came
to pick him up. It's a shame that Chinese kids can't learn to walk home by
themselves!
We once learned a story called "Uta," which was about a 14-year-old girl who
traveled alone throughout Europe. She earned her own travel and living expenses
during her summer vacation. It was a stark contrast to Renke's situation. The
development and wealth of some European countries are related to their people's
hard work and determination. They don't pursue luxury and waste but invest their
money in useful places. Children in those countries learn to be independent and
do things on their own, without relying on their parents.
Let's say goodbye to the life of having everything handed to us on a silver
platter. Let's step out of our comfortable nests, built by our parents, and face
the world on our own. We need to learn to be independent and navigate society,
to develop our own autonomous hearts. Only then can we transform the few
nutrients we receive into enormous energy, grow and thrive, and become pillars
of our society! |
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