Your Attitude Matters Part 5: A Real Story from the Early 80s

Your Attitude Matters – Part 5

Real Story from the Early 80s

Opening

Sometimes, attitude reveals itself not in loud victories, but in calm confidence.

Not in proving others wrong, but in trusting one’s own preparation.

This is a story from my early student life -  when attitude quietly walked ahead of results.

The Story

It was the early 1980s.

For the first time, an inter college — where my father served as a Hindi lecturer — decided to conduct an entrance test for Class 9 admissions.

The number of applicants was high, and the management chose Mathematics as the screening subject.

Mathematics was my favourite subject.

I was well prepared and genuinely excited - not anxious.

It was also my first independent visit outside the village, stepping into a large college campus where junior and senior sections shared the same grounds. The tall boundary walls and massive gate made the place feel both grand and unfamiliar.

The exam duration was one hour.

I completed the paper in half an hour.

The invigilator checked my answer sheet briefly and nodded in approval. I walked out calmly.

My father, however, grew tense.

When he reached the examination room to check whether I was managing time properly, he couldn’t find me. For a moment, he feared I might have left the exam incomplete.

Outside, students had already begun discussing questions.

Some were confused.

Some were matching answers.

Some looked visibly stressed.

I stood quietly, listening.

In one group, a student was confidently explaining a solution - but it was incorrect.

Without any intention to dominate, I corrected the digits and shared the correct answer. I still remembered the paper clearly; there were only 20 technically tricky but short sums.

That student, a known topper from his school, felt disturbed — not because of arrogance, but because the correction came unexpectedly.

I realized this only later, after we became friends.

When the results were declared:

• One student, Naval Kishor, scored the highest with 18 marks

• I stood second with 17 marks

My father was relieved — and satisfied.

Not just with the marks, but with the way I handled the entire process.

Reflections

This incident taught me early that:

• Confidence does not require announcement

• Preparation reduces noise

• Attitude is visible even before results arrive

While others rushed to prove, I learned to remain steady.

While others competed loudly, I learned that clarity speaks softly.

Takeaways

• Attitude begins before performance, not after results

• Calm confidence is often mistaken for overconfidence - but it is neither

• True preparation allows you to stay relaxed even in unfamiliar environments

• Correction without ego is a sign of inner strength

Strong Disclaimer

This story is shared purely for reflection and learning.

It is not intended to promote comparison, superiority, or judgment of others.

Names and events are shared respectfully, without any intent to highlight or diminish any individual.

From the Desk of the Author

As an educator, I now understand what I could not articulate as a student - 

that attitude is the silent syllabus of life.

Marks may open doors, but attitude decides how we walk through them.

An Honest Question to Readers

When you were prepared, did you ever feel the need to prove - 

or did you trust your silence and let your work speak?

Rakesh Kushwaha

Educator | Writer

Mathivation HUB – Where Mathematics Meets Mindset