School is supposed to educate you in order to get a good job and live happily ever after, but the most valuable lessons I've learned weren't taught in any lesson plans, designed courses, or classes that spark my interests. Life lessons can only be learned by experiencing life, going through grade school I never understood why I had to sit in a classroom learning about unnecessary material that I believed I would never use. While some of the subjects (math, but mainly geometry) I refuse to use in any aspect of my life, having to suck it up and sit through those pointless classes taught me a lot about life.
Not understanding the material was not acceptable, hence passing or failing, but I learned that not understanding the material given is acceptable. What's not acceptable is using that as an excuse to not try. Trying is a constant part of life, whether we believe it or not. Getting a new haircut, going to a new restaurant, doing something outside of your comfort zone, or taking a different way home all require a form of trying. Life is just going to be challenging when we have not learned to try resulting in being forced to.
Knowing the answer doesn't mean you HAVE to be called on. Just because we might have the correct answer to someone's question or know the outcome of a theory proposed doesn't mean that we have to be vocal about it all the time. Giving people the chance to explain themselves or their idea is something I've personally had to deal with throughout growing up. Knowing the answer shows intelligence, but knowing when to share this knowledge and how is even more valuable. When a colleague that has more experience than yourself, will remain quiet so allow others to understand the material. It's like having everyone read the same book, while some have already read the book and know the ending, stating the ending to those who haven't read the book will only cause confusion and frustration.
Learning to show respect to others was never easy in grade school, especially when you're questioning everything you are learning and not wanting to learn it. You might not agree with what you have to listen to, but respecting that someone is taking the time to explain a topic goes a long way when requesting respect back.
Now not stating that everything I learned was completely useless, studying China in the 8th grade completely scored me brownie points in my World History Class when discussing the different Dynasties. Learning isn't something you are taught, learning involves all 5 senses; scent, sight, hearing, taste, and touch, depending on your career path, some only unitizes two or three of these. Learning the physical act of learning should be explored by each sense so every student can fully grasp the information since their learning needs can and will be met.
Having to learn the materials on my own since my learning style was different from my teachers, I learned that my own failure and success lied within myself, and this is what I wasn't taught in school.
