Grades vs Success

[Dragonfly5338]

Seriously.. I know PLENTY of people who dont even have a degree and make a shit load of dough

Statistically that isn't the case, but there's always exceptions.

[C22H19N3O4]

Statistically that isn't the case, but there's always exceptions.

I agree. I think we can all name a few people who have been successful (people measure success differently) w/o a degree, but they are not the norm.

Entrepreneurs like Dell and Gates came from upper-middle-class families, so they had access to tools most of us don't. The average college student has one real shot to make things happen. Hence, the reason I tell people not to take time off from school. Once a student takes time off for whatever reason, odds are they won't go back.


I view education a differently than most of you here. I enjoy the academic atmosphere. I love the flow of new ideas, the friends you make for life, and the mentors that take you under their wing. I think a lot of people view school as an arduous task of reading and exams. Yes, those things are involved, but there is so much in between. I believe that's why it's important for freshmen to live on campus. I lived on campus when I got my BS and would not take back a single moment of that experience.

One thing that I've noticed over the years is that the importance of an education varies with locale. When I was living in NY and areas on the west coast, I rarely ran into people that devalued the importance of higher education. When I moved to GA, it was like night and day. Students were satisfied with C's and D's. I guess that's ok if you just want to get by and receive your degree. But, who wants to be average? I respect those who make it through a graduate/professional program. It takes discipline and dedication to endure 8+ years of post high school education. One gives up a lot socially, physically, and mentally. In the long run it ALL pays off.

Unfortunately, life experiences and a "street" education don't teach calculus, chemistry, accounting, or business management. A formal education can play a vital role in every aspect of your life. Perhaps you want to tutor your children or home school them. Maybe you want to open your own business, but you lack management sense? I'm sure you get where I'm going with this. It's not just about sitting in a class and listening to lectures.

As far as good grades being an indicator of success, I believe it to be true. If someone applies that much focus and dedication to their grades, imagine what they can do in other areas? I compare an education to martial arts. Martial arts is not about violence or fighting, nor is an education just about grades and exams. Both are a process of perseverance and dedication. Both teach the importance of humanity and compassion in our daily lives. Lastly, both take years to master.

I'm sure I went waaaaaaaaaay off topic, but it had to be said . I've never met parents who told their kids it's ok to make C's and D's. Have you? Will you tell your children it's acceptable? I doubt it. I can go on and on about this, but I'll spare everyone.


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