This attitude will go a long way toward healing our schools' deficiencies. My own school experience (in the USA) was pretty painful at times. Since graduation I've realized that I actually love learning - it's probably my greatest drive. School never failed me academically, but I picked up some unhealthy attitudes about trying and learning and succeeding which I've been trying to unlearn since. Lessons like:

  1. It is NOT ok to fail.
  2. Pointless exercises ARE ok - live with it.
  3. Don't ask why; just memorize the facts you'll be tested on. 
  4. Your uniqueness is a liability not an asset.

I need to add that I did have lots of fantastic teachers, many of whom expressed the grace the OAP articulated. I also realize that many young people have a fantastic experience in the current system.