.. the point of reference is obviously going to be school.. school work.. school life. this post was naturally due to the reccent release of examination results. while some struggle to be promoted, others fight over the top 5% and 10% - eyeing the coveted 500 or 300 bucks.

In 3d and 3a, the latter is more of the case. friendships are put aside, as the race to be the top 5% begins. every man is for himself, sometimes acting compassionate towards a friend's failure to be just as good - or if he himself did worse, would be green with envy. Such is the reality of the unhealthy way competition for better results is carried out.

Yet the slamming of pupils who do better, is competition's cruelty. Jealousy and envy causes those who don't do as well to dislike those who do better. Such disharmony may even escalate to hatred or even anger that turns violent, if further tested.

the 500 bucks may be an incentive for students to work hard to be the top 5%, but things turns ugly for the one who fails to get it. Ridiculous accusations that one who does better has robbed him of his 500 bucks day in; day out, is just one example of good sportsmanship students display. Yet few can deny he will do the same if he were in the same position as the former.

however, such competition would eventually benefit the education institutes as students are spurred on to do better, but it may not be the healthiest of ways..