Listen!

I could not find a better term than “unlucky” to have spent seven hours studying for a subject just to space out upon hearing the first question – not understanding what the question was (and not having the chance to hear it again so I could answer).[1] I probably spaced out because I was trying to recall the cases[2] under the provision that I read or trying to figure out my mind map on how to explain the provision without even listening to what my professor had to say. I was “unlucky” to be the start of the series of unfortunate events to my blockmates[3] who were likewise asked to sit down after saying a phrase.  After being scolded for “not listening,” the professor reiterated how everyone should listen. While sitting on my seat (from the moment my professor asked me to sit down and possibly wrote a low grade on my card), I realized how unwise it was to delve into the past (what I read the entire day) or the future (what my professor might ask me) without even giving attention to my present (professor was talking, I needed to listen).

I am reminded today of the French verbs: “ecouter” and “entendre”[4] Today is probably the best personal and concrete example I could think of to illustrate how hearing is different from listening. I believe hearing would always be present (as long as a person has his ears functioning), but not everyone who hears, listens. Every time I am unable to give a good answer to my recitation, my perpetual mantra would be: I should never be called unprepared[5] again. Of course, it will not always be the case. There will always be “unlucky” days. I added a new one today, I will never be called “not listening” again. Because it’s embarrassing to the professor[6], to my blockmates[7], and to myself.[8]

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[1] I don’t know. I was actually also surprised how I “forgot” what he was telling about the provision that I have just read. My state of mind (as far as I remember) was that I was so clueless and lost when I heard him render his sentence with a “questioning” tone and that I did not have something in mind “to answer” the “question” I was not sure I “heard.” (or better yet, understood)

[2] I was thinking he would ask me on the cases I might recite on. Yes, I remember that.

[3] People were asked to sit down because “they could not answer” But more of, because I created bad vibes and the professor was less tolerant to slightly incorrect answers.

[4] Because I also had some #throwbackfrenchday today.

[5] God knows I was prepared today.

[6] Because the professor (every person) deserves to be listened to.

[7] Because I do not want to create a domino effect ever. I felt really bad for my blockmates who were equally prepared.

[8] Yes, things meant trash because my hearing was not processed to listening.