Advice to students: Don't hold back, ask questions

As schools across Dubai begin their new terms, I want to share something important with my younger brothers and sisters. Not too long ago, when I was in school, I noticed something strange. Many of my friends hesitated to ask questions. Some thought they’d sound 'unintelligent.' Others were scared that their friends would call them a “teacher’s pet.”

To them, asking questions looked like trying to score points with the teacher… you know exactly what I mean.

Some students just didn’t want to be noticed. They weren’t bad or insincere; they just found the idea of raising their hand… uncomfortable.

Growing up in that kind of environment, even I struggled. I’m naturally curious, but I had to hold back my questions. And honestly, it felt suffocating.

Still, I pushed myself. I asked questions, even the ones that seemed obvious. And yes, I got the taunts. I got the looks. A few teachers didn’t appreciate it either. We all know that classic line every teacher says: “Ask me one question 100 times and I’ll answer it every time.” Yeah… right.

But I kept going. I ignored the comments. And slowly, things changed. I understood concepts better. My confidence grew. My relationship with my teachers improved. Most importantly, I started learning in a way I never had before.

Today, I’m in my 3rd year of BBA, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: curiosity is essential. It’s not optional. It’s not a bonus. It’s the heart of real learning.

When you ask questions, you dive deeper. You connect ideas. You see patterns. You unlock new perspectives. You challenge assumptions. And trust me, nothing feels better than that “aha” moment, the moment of _enlightenment_ , the moment something finally clicks. Curiosity is the gateway to that feeling.

Ask more. Ask better. And yes, ask relevant questions. Don’t ask just for the sake of it. With time, your questions will naturally improve.

If you look at history, curiosity has changed the world. Einstein, Newton, AlKhawarizmi, Ibn Sina , none of them became who they were by staying silent.

They questioned everything. And beyond science, questions have brought justice, toppled tyrants, and changed entire societies.

So don’t hesitate. Don’t hold back. Be bold. Be curious. Your questions might just change your life.

A message to teachers

My dear teachers, I have a humble request. Please help us build a culture of curiosity. Make questioning a natural part of the classroom, not something rare or awkward.

Encourage students to take the path of curiosity. And if some students feel shy or scared to ask in front of others, give them a private moment where they can ask freely. Teach them how to ask, how to think, how to learn. This is how we shape a generation of mindful, global citizens.

Saim Hasan Syed