To the student that didn't make it onto the deans list.
It's okay and I'm totally proud of you. You are doing the best you can given your circumstances. College is hard and it's supposed to be. If you know everything already you are wasting your money.
College isn't for everyone but, you are determined and you are making great strides. So you didn't hit the mark you wanted to? SO WHAT? College is about your learning experience and what you can take into the real world with you. Rumor has it that one day they will STOP grading us in the… real world.
What you are doing is spectacular and you make past generations beyond impressed with your current knowledge. You have so much left to learn and I am not talking about a GPA.
Remember what you aren't graded for in life. Things that will make your career and life worth while. Friendships, learning to work with others, work though conflict, compassion and unrecognized hard work. Yep. Thats right. You won't always get a cute little progress report telling you how great you are doing so that you grandma can share on Facebook. You are learning to work hard for yourself and your future.
Keep on keeping on.