Tackling instant gratification

Consistent effort: What does it take for students to achieve their academic potential, asks the writer. — File photo

WHEN I was a young girl, my parents taught me the difference between two important four-letter words: need and want.

I had my first part time job at 14 years old and from that point on, I was expected to pay for the things I wanted while my parents continued to pay for the things that I needed.