Hi Aisha…not only is it important to respect elders, it is equally important to respect all people. That includes people respecting you. Respect is something that you should never have to beg for. Unfortunately there are people that feel superior over others and because of that they believe they do not have to show respect. I also believe that some people fear or are intimidated by showing respect. An example is, where I work, there are some who are intimidated by showing respect for junior employees. It is like someone thinking, “I don’t have to give you respect. You’re younger than me.” Another one I have noticed is, “I don’t have to show you respect because I have worked here much longer than you.” When people do not give you the respect you deserve, know that it is a weakness they have. I hope that very soon you have no more distractions with people affecting your studies. I know that over time you will have learned to deal with this in such a way that your studies won’t be affected. When you want to speak, I will listen.

Pearce