Education

[Sweet]

Now that is different. My twin sister and i spent a lot of time arguing over which was worse, being blind or deaf when i was off sick last year. Both are relly bad but i would rather be deaf than blind because at least i wouldn't have to reply on others so much. I would be able to drive, read, go to work, do all my shopping etc. My sister would rather be blind as she would still be able to listen to music. Fair point but there are so many things to see in the world, i think that even i who always has music on would rather give it up to see my family.

Maybe we are so different because she has never had much trouble with her eyesight, although two weeks off a few months back with conjunctivitis did make her think more!

Sweet X x X

[Louise Pembroke]

I would rather be deaf than blind because being blind does take away some independence and you're more vulnerable to others. I'd actually rather be dead than blind, that's how strongly I feel about it for myself.

[jayuk]

Id rather have neither!...But then if life was easy things would be boring!

[Louise Pembroke]

Excuse me, I don't want a bloody flag beside my name!!
Wouldn't object to Borg/Star Fleet insignias

[John Smith]

Lou,

You can always go into your profile and delete the avatar.

[Louise Pembroke]

It's ok John and I've just seen your message in other section.
I might have to throw some ice cream at you though!

[Lynn White]

As far as degrees go... it does seem unfortunate that as academic "quality" goes up, common sense often seems to go down!

Optometry had its origins in a more basic practial approach - many were "jeweller opticians" years ago. As the profession developed, higher and higher A level qualifications were demanded for entry to the degree. This often leads to undergraduates with very good academic skills but very few people skills.

The way we educate in the UK, you can get high academic qualifications by having a great memory and a not too enquiring mind.. But its the personal skills that make a great professional - whether medical or ministerial!

Lynn

[Louise Pembroke]

Oh yes I couldn't agree more

[GarethB]

I seem to be surounded by people who are academically brilliant but the few of us in the department that have the hands on skills aren't allowed to do the work as it means we make less money!

Unless I get a new challenge at work I am looking for a new job.

Hate being bored.

[Lynn White]

Its interesting how differing societies work. When I was in Trinidad, although there is a high dependence on academic qualifications (they use UK O and A levels) there is an awful lot of nepotism. And its not just relatives, its who you know. So to get on, you have to build up a very large social network. Often, people are tolerated in a job even if they aren't very good, just because they are family. However, the checks and balances on this are that family pride is at stake if you mess up, so you have not only your boss on your back but your extended family as well hehe!

In the UK, I think we pride ourselves we are a meritocracy BUT I think we have lost the plot as to how we decide who has merit! Our present examination system with its reliance on coursework tends to favour girls while the older system on pure exam results favours boys. Neither actually test pure native ability. This did not really matter while you could still get on if you could demonstrate your skills but in todays world where you have to have extraordinary amounts of paper qualifications just to flip burgers, it doesn't make for building a strong society.

Gareth, I feel your frustration!

Lynn