It is said that “the great thing in this world is not so much where we stand, as in what direction we are moving.” I think the even more potent thing is who we have met when we are pursuing our goals. If Mortenson had not met so many decent people in his life, he would not accomplish his goal successfully. Indeed, people are the core of everything. This inspires me to rethink my academic study in an insightful way. When I was first in the university, my goal was getting a high GPA. I went straight to the library and concentrated on homework and readings after I got off from my classes. I thought good grades were everything in the academic study. However, through workshops and school activities, I slowly realize that even though good grades are important, interpersonal skills are more crucial in reality because technical skills can only take people so far, yet social skills can lead to synergy. In fact, Mortenson’s story is an example of this.
Mortenson was told that he needed to build a bridge for students to commute before he started to build a school. When he heard this, he was angry because he was planning to build a school quickly so he could go back to the United States. When he calmed down, he understood that building a bridge was necessary. He spent the money which should be used for building a school on a bridge. As a consequence, he had no money left; he had to go back to the United State to earn some money for the school. Fortunately, he met some merciful people, and they were willing to help him. Mortenson earned some money himself by working as a nurse, and got some donations from people. He returned to Korphe Village, Pakistan to fulfill his mission.
Mortenson not only built a bridge, but he himself act as a bridge between Pakistan children and compassionate people in America. Moreover, Mortenson utilized his people skill in a sincere way to unite different people together to carry out his goal. This gives me a lesson, and makes me think that education should not be the filing of a pail, but the lighting of a fire. I should employ my knowledge, intelligence, and interactive skill together to make my dreams come true.
