This is a new segment of the ReflectionUpon where I express my opinions on common topics and “redefine” them from their typical meaning to people.

The first one, especially being an American born Chinese, is talked about a lot. I hear about people, especially Asians, complaining about not getting good enough grades. Though that isn’t really a good thing, I have a few things to say about that.

First of all, doing poorly on one quiz or test isn’t going to kill you. A year from now, even in a few months, it wouldn’t really matter that you got an 80 on your science quiz.

Second, grades aren’t the most important part of a person. It is much more important to actually learn something during school and learning life skills such as time management and being a happy person. I know many people feel that if you don’t get good grades you won’t be able to get into a good college and live a good life. Though that is true, that isn’t the only criteria for getting into the best colleges. I’ve heard of straight-A students not getting into their college of choice, and that is because their only good part is good grades. If those people don’t have anything else that stands out such as playing an instrument, a sport, or something else, then the colleges won’t want to accept them. They are looking for people who are well rounded and do well in many areas.

But I do want to emphasize that I’m not saying grades aren’t important, because they are, but there are just many more important things to life.

People think that if you get good grades he/she is “smart”, but I’m against people calling themselves or others “smart”. I strongly believe that everyone is smart in their own ways whether it is being able to communicate with others, sports, art, music, science, etc. In particular, I feel that IQ tests should not be used in determining the abilities of a person since that doesn’t really show one’s ability.

Another thing is what people think about the SATs. Yes, they are important, but again, there are many people who get perfect, or nearly perfect scores who don’t get into the best colleges. Likewise, I know people who did pretty well, but not great, but still got into great colleges. Again, it is the whole being “well-rounded” thing that helps people get into their choice colleges.

Finally, you are probably wondering how to get better grades. What I feel is that the best way is to learn from your mistakes in the past and be a hard worker. If one persists towards their goals, they will gain something from it whether it is actually achieving that goal or learning from where one goes wrong. I think that parents shouldn’t push their children too hard to get good grades but rather, tell them to always strive to do well, but if they don’t it isn’t the end of the world. I think it is completely wrong that a child should want to get good grades just because their parents would ground them if they don’t or because they would reward them if they do well. The child should feel self motivated to do well and feel that getting good grades is a reward in itself. Though that doesn’t mean you don’t reward them, but it just means that the reward shouldn’t be the motivation.

Again, what I have said here isn’t what is right, it is only my opinion on grades. I encourage you to question my thoughts and ask me for information if you wish, just leave a comment, or start a discussion on the forum.

Comments on “Redefining”? Do you like the idea? Tell me that as well. Thanks for reading.