VIEIn a world where social media showcases perfect grades, “glamorous” extracurricular achievements, and dream study-abroad paths, many students unconsciously fall into the trap of comparison. But are they truly learning for themselves – or merely striving to meet standards set by others? This is not an easy question to answer, yet it forms the foundation for students to develop holistically and confidently chart their own paths.
When “Comparison” Becomes Part of Growing Up
Today, students don’t just compare themselves with classmates – they compare themselves with thousands of peers online. A post about a full scholarship, an international award, or a peer’s TED Talk can easily make them feel “not good enough.”
This leads to a dangerous consequence: many students dive into studying and accumulating achievements not out of passion or personal goals, but out of fear of being left behind. Learning then becomes an exhausting race with unclear destinations, where joy almost disappears.
Self-Understanding: The Key Skill to Break Free
To avoid being swept into the wave of comparison, students need to cultivate self-awareness – the ability to understand their own emotions, values, strengths, weaknesses, and goals. A self-aware student can ask themselves questions like:
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“Am I excelling in this subject because I enjoy it, or because others praise it?”
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“Am I joining this extracurricular activity out of passion, or to enhance my resume?”
Answering these questions allows students to design a learning path that suits them, reduce external pressure, and focus on sustainable personal growth.
Mentoring: A Guide to Finding Your Inner Voice
Mentoring – a personalized guidance process – can help students explore themselves more deeply. Through conversations with a mentor, students are encouraged to listen, ask open-ended questions, and reflect on their own journey:
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“What truly makes me happy when I study?”
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“What are my goals for the next five years?”
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“What mark do I want to leave as I grow up?”
Mentors do not provide the “right answers,” but help students discover answers from within themselves. This empowers them to learn proactively, with clear direction and genuine joy.
Learning for Yourself: The Key to Holistic Development
When students learn for themselves, they are no longer influenced by others’ praise or criticism, or fleeting trends. Instead, they:
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Study with true passion.
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Build confidence from within, rather than from achievements.
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Dare to follow their own paths, even if they differ from the majority.
Most importantly, they do not feel exhausted by the race for accolades, but experience personal growth every day.
Learning to Understand Yourself – Learning to Grow
In the age of comparison, understanding oneself is not easy. Yet this skill enables students to withstand pressure, find the path that suits them, and develop holistically.
Mentors14 believes every student deserves a mentor to accompany them – not just to learn knowledge, but to understand themselves, to live fully, and to lead.
Read the vietnamese version here.