Why do you learn?

Please indulge as I regale a true little story. The point is why we learn or do certain tasks. In the next post we will discuss four reasons for learning.

The Reward

In today's scholastic world, extra-curricular activities, part-time employment and volunteer work are paramount to compiling background for Community College, University or even job applications. Students seeking scholarships and bursaries and even acceptance will go out of their way to bolster their applications and c'v's. Student council, candy striper, the school paper and mentoring younger students are all great ways to bolster your portfolio. Helping or visiting the elderly, doing odd jobs for free are also fine endeavours if you are doing it/them for the right reasons. (Which if you know how to correctly write an essay, provides a smooth link to the next paragraph.)

In my teens, only your grades counted. Point Stop. We submitted our academic transcript and you were accepted or not to college or university.  Although I am sort of the black sheep of the family, my mom and dad insisted that I help people in the neighbourhood for no reward or return. I was obligated to mow the RICH elderly ladies property across the street and shovel their snow before walking off to NGHS. This frustrated me as the old gals didn't ever even peep through the curtains or acknowledged me.  My dogs Piper and Copper continuously got in my way especially if I was in a hurry for school or to get out golfing. No cold lemonade after a hot summer mow or a steamy coffee to warm me up after shoveling. I'm sure they thanked my Mom but my effort was never acknowledged. The dogs loved the quality time. I was so frustrated,  I'd hoped every time they'd leave their mark, everywhere!!!!!!!

In the 11th grade, the old gals must have heard through the 'prune vine' that I was off to boarding school. So , after the last ever mow, Ms. T@#$%^&*() came to the door as I was heading back across the street. 'Tommy, come here for a sec, please.'  I walked up their steep steps, all sweaty and annoyed, I must have missed a spot or hit a flower. 'Tommy, we realize you are off to school next week and we want to thank you for all the work you have done over the last three years. We don't know what we could have done without you.' ( in the back of my mind I was thinking, you coulda paid me!!!)  'Tommy, after you clean up your mower  come back over, we have something for you!!!!!!!!!'

Well, when I wrote that they were rich, I was not exaggerating. In those days, the T@#$%^&* family (coal) were the 'top of the heap.'   I had visions of a large cheque, a second hand car, even some new books!!!  I had a shower, dressed up a bit and meandered back across the street. Ms. T didn't invite me in for an ice tea or anything. She simply slipped me a Sobeys bag. 'We really appreciate all you have done for three years, Tom. You and the dogs were the highlight of our day. Thank you, thank you and good luck at school.'   

I was so so excited, I ran home before opening the 'goodie bag. ' In my bedroom I dumped the contents on my bed, a pile of steak bones for Copper and Piper!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So, what motivates us to do things, what factors motivate you to learn??????