{"id":180628,"date":"2021-06-16T10:00:37","date_gmt":"2021-06-16T02:00:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/hong-kong\/?p=180628"},"modified":"2024-11-29T10:57:48","modified_gmt":"2024-11-29T02:57:48","slug":"skills-i-wish-i-learned-at-school","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thehoneycombers.com\/hong-kong\/skills-i-wish-i-learned-at-school\/","title":{"rendered":"So I know how to play the recorder, but here are the 8 life skills I wish I learned at school"},"content":{"rendered":"

The one incentive that got me excited for school around the time of August was shopping for new stationery<\/a>. In my mid-20s now, there are a bunch of things I wish I learned at school other than the fact that mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell. At school, the sole focus seemed to be making it into a good University and attaining a degree. Sure, a good education is important, but skills that will truly get me through in life weren\u2019t included in the curriculum. Here are eight life skills I wish I learned at school.<\/p>\n

Skills I wish I learned at school<\/h2>\n

1. Swimming<\/h3>\n
\"swimming
Just keep swimming, swimming (Photography: @daunation via Unsplash)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Some schools in Hong Kong do teach swimming but it\u2019s a rare commodity (mine didn\u2019t). When I\u2019m drowning at sea, the number of apples and watermelons Mrs Chan bought wouldn’t matter. Swimming is essential and a must-know survival skill, plus a great exercise that stimulates your entire body.<\/p>\n

I was so bummed about not learning how to swim<\/a> at school that I had to pick it up on my own. Given the tiny space Hong Kong has, it\u2019s understandable that not every school will have a swimming pool i<\/a>nside, but hey, look around and there\u2019s plenty of public and private ones. And a good excursion outside the classroom is what all students love, am I right? No, I don\u2019t mean going to the same old museum every year.<\/p>\n

2. Self-defence<\/h3>\n
\"self-defense
(Photography: Burst via Pexels)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I mean, how are we never even taught to defend ourselves? It doesn\u2019t have to be some advanced judo class, but basic tips, tricks, and techniques can do wonders. One: I think it will definitely improve self-confidence and two: it gives us a chance to stand up for ourselves \u2013 against bullies and whatnot. This is a skill that will stay and can be life-saving.<\/p>\n

3. Sign language<\/h3>\n
\"sign
Why aren\u2019t we taught sign language? (Photography: cottonbro via Pexels)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Personally, sign language is something I wish I knew compared to other languages that I know. It just carries so much more meaning and purpose. There are often discussions about being more inclusive and giving more opportunities to those with auditory impairments, but how can we communicate with them if we\u2019re never taught how to? It also increases awareness of how we should treat those with disabilities because we won\u2019t be differentiating them if we learn their language.<\/p>\n

4. Empathy<\/h3>\n
\"\"
(Photography: @healing_photographer via Unsplash)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Following along with #3, being empathetic feels like a skill the world needs right now. Some may debate it\u2019s not necessary to teach children about issues like racism<\/a>, poverty, and sexuality<\/a> because they\u2019re too young. But building an understanding from a young age will do wonders when they\u2019re older because you don\u2019t suddenly learn to be empathetic out of nowhere. Teaching children to see things from a totally different perspective and fitting into other\u2019s shoes will create a more harmonious learning atmosphere.<\/p>\n

5. Personal finance<\/h3>\n
\"personal
(Photography: Pixabay via Pexels)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I did have one module in my accounting class that taught finance but it was so lightly touched upon that it barely made a difference. It made me even more confused as the whole segment was too rushed (the focus was on making financial statements, and my balance sheets didn\u2019t balance.) Gaining financial independence is gaining personal confidence. And learning how to manage money is crucial and a lesson that many of us need. The one bond I know more about is covalent bond and that ain\u2019t gonna pay bills.<\/p>\n

6. Cycling<\/h3>\n

In case there\u2019s a zombie apocalypse, I am doomed. Though some may say it\u2019s the parents\u2019 responsibility to teach their child (not saying it isn\u2019t), school is where you\u2019re supposed to learn. Cycling may not need to be made compulsory but including more active extracurricular activities gives students a chance to exercise other than during P.E., and did I mention cycling is a life skill?<\/p>\n

7. Basic first aid<\/h3>\n

This one is pretty self-explanatory. You get minor injuries no matter the age and knowing how to sterilise a wound and wrap a proper bandage around can be helpful for yourself and others.<\/p>\n

8. Mindfulness<\/h3>\n
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A post shared by Carlotta Notaro (@carlotta_notaro)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n