A Morning of Study, Reflection, and Music with Rubaiyat Rongin

Rongin arrived two hours later than planned this morning, delayed by an overslept alarm and a missed early train — but from the moment he sat down at eleven, we didn't lose a single minute. We worked steadily through his academic plan: computer science groundwork, mathematics fundamentals, and a discussion around his reading. He's begun The Organized Mind by Daniel Levitin, and what struck me most was how naturally he connected the book's ideas about attention and cognitive overload to his own recent experience of returning to structured study after a long break. That kind of self-recognition in a text is exactly what turns reading into learning.

The unplanned highlight of the day came during a break, when Rongin sat down at the Yamaha upright piano in the workspace. He hadn't played in over a year, yet his hands found their way back with real comfort, and he worked through a few short pieces with more confidence than either of us expected. It was a good reminder that skill, once built, doesn't fully disappear — it waits. We've decided this will now be a regular part of his visits: a few minutes at the piano alongside the academic work, giving the day some rhythm beyond study alone.

What we covered this morning

•      Reviewed and continued academic planning (CS, Mathematics foundations).

•      Discussed progress and personal reflections on The Organized Mind (Daniel Levitin).

•      Rongin connected the book's themes directly to his own experience of resuming study.

•      Piano session on the Yamaha upright — first time in over a year, played with notable ease.

•      Agreed piano practice will become a regular part of future sessions. 

SPECIAL NOTE: We have also agreed that in many cases Rongin must write down his THOUGHTS, IDEAS, and Reading Notes in a Paper Notebook. Writing with a pen or pencil will improve his motor movements and will prepare him essentially for Exam Hall performance.