Gratitude Week: No Studying

“He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.” 

— Epictetus

Greek philosopher 55-135AD

Remember how we had to be pushed to do homework and study? Not everyone feels the same way. I was reminded of that fact in the context of this week’s theme – Things to be Grateful For – when I recalled that some foreign airports have signs saying “No Studying”. This is because the homes of students are often so crowded that they stay in airport lounges studying.

Some examples:

Singapore has such signs in airports, cafes, fast food outlets and the like. Apparently some students buy a coffee and sit with that for long periods while they study, to the annoyance of the owners.

This sign is in Los Angeles

and this one is from Iowa.

A touching photograph I came across in relation to studying at airports was of young men, without access to electricity, studying under carpark lights at G'bessi airport in Conakry, Guinea. To make it even sadder, there are no women in the photograph. According to one commentator: “They likely didn't make it far enough in school to be studying with these young men, their peers. And also, it would not be safe for them to head out to the airport to study under the parking lot lights.”

About 291 million children worldwide who currently attend primary schools that lack electricity.