I’ve come to appreciate the brilliance of a particular business model—one that’s deeply rooted in addressing unmet needs and societal gaps. Let’s start by defining what a business model truly embodies. Simply put, it’s a solution crafted to tackle existing problems, to fill voids that demand attention within our society. This is where the entrepreneurial spirit shines brightest. Whether we embrace it wholeheartedly or not, academia has metamorphosed into a market-driven entity, intricately entwined with the dynamics of supply and demand. It now adheres more steadfastly than ever to the tenets of competition, particularly within the private sector, governed by the principles of a free-market economy.
As a result, a plethora of alternatives have emerged—a profusion of tuition academies, private tutors, and online platforms—all burgeoning in response to the evolving educational landscape. Gone are the days when traditional schooling sufficed; these new avenues have become indispensable for academic triumph. They bridge the gap left by mainstream education, offering tailored guidance and fostering trust in an environment where personalized attention is a rarity.
It’s fascinating to note that this evolution originates within the very system it aims to complement. I’ve witnessed this firsthand, not only as an educator but also as a mother, watching private tutors transition seamlessly into mentors within my child’s and my students’ educational journey. Yet, amidst this transformation, a pertinent question arises: What drives students towards these alternative avenues that conventional institutions seem to overlook? Is it the excellence of academics? Concepts taught in a personalized fashion? Or perhaps, it’s the natural gravitation of like-minded individuals seeking empathy and genuine understanding.
Today’s generation yearns not just for knowledge but for meaningful connections and understanding. They seek mentors who listen intently, empathize genuinely, and collaborate earnestly to solve their challenges. Success isn’t merely about academic achievements but about feeling valued, heard, and respected—about finding purpose and direction in an increasingly complex world.
And that is where mainstream schooling and parenting may falter. We are managing a lot—schools with an abundance of students, homes where parents juggle numerous responsibilities to fulfill family needs. In this rush, an anomaly of a child is something we often overlook or delegate to newer models of education and mentorship. This trend has seen a significant rise in the past decade, with a growing number of such individuals everywhere. They now need to be addressed differently. Their tutors have evolved into artists, mentors, heroes, and problem solvers of the modern age. It’s ironic that they belong almost to the same generation—they’re dealing with younger versions of themselves!
Today’s students and children don’t need to be informed; they are more informed than any of the former generations. They don’t want a repetition of anything honestly; they need people who can curate information for them, showing its worth and what truly works out there. Anything else is just boring or not worth their time. Therefore, we see distracted individuals everywhere—they are simply not interested in matters for which they don’t seek a solution. They are not listening to us because we are not listening to them.
Are we implying that mainstream teaching and parenting are becoming obsolete? Unfortunately, in some aspects, yes. We find ourselves stuck in old paradigms where one-size-fits-all was acceptable, where complacency was tolerated, and an entire generation could be conveniently boxed into a mold suited for an industrialized society, later expected to conform as ‘obedient’ employees. That’s the reality—a celebration of mediocrity and a reluctance to embrace change and discomfort.
So, I find myself pondering: Are we truly attuned to their needs? Do we communicate in a language they comprehend? Are we celebrating their unique strengths and connecting with them on a deeper level? Or inadvertently, are we pushing them towards their devices in search of a more meaningful connection—one that resonates with their aspirations and desires?
We often critique the younger generation for their screen-centric lifestyles, attributing it to a quest for instant gratification and entitlement. Yet, perhaps there’s another narrative to explore—a narrative that compels us to reassess how we engage with and support these individuals. Are we fostering environments of empathy, understanding, and genuine connection? This introspection might just unveil a richer understanding of the world they inhabit and the guidance they truly seek.
Tip-toeing on icy terrains,
Xeynab
Xeemarmar 