Criticism is that scenario when people tell us what they think about our shortcomings especially our behavior. Although what we don’t understand is that criticism is about our actions but not us as human beings. Many people especially students receive criticism with anger and violence for they feel disrespected. They tend to hate their friends and other people in general who criticise what they have done wrong, yet they don’t stop to think that it is one way of helping them not to make the same mistake again. Treat criticism as a gift that can help you grow stronger and help you improve. It means that people care about you. Always ask for opinions about actions for they will help you set a footing for progress. Analyse each opinion, reflect on it and use it to make yourself better.A while back, some students disliked our class teacher simply because he used to criticise us for not performing well in academics. However, we later came to realise that his criticism was done in good faith with the aim of encouraging and motivating us to work harder so we can all become what many of you call ‘academic giants’. Once in a students’ meeting with the headmaster he noted that "while you are still alive there are always lessons to be learned. Surrender to the rhythm of life, accept criticism and don’t struggle with it but learn from it.Commit to the process of constant learning and change, be flexible enough to adapt from what you may be accustomed to, because rigidity will deny you the freedom of new possibilities”.Generously, I am glad to say that at my school, students have learnt to accept and receive criticism as a challenge but a lesson on the other hand which I literally believe is a straight path to follow if we’re to avoid failure and regrets in future since it will help us change our attitude, behavior and strengthen us to improve our ways.Fellow students, learn to handle criticism positively because it shows love and concern. It’s only by accepting criticism that will help you be the master of your life. This will act as your best teacher to improve on every weak aspects of your life, most especially in academics, leading you to the road of extra-ordinary achievements.The writer is a student at Kagarama S.S