When You're No Longer Top of the Class
Start writing a post
Student Life

When You're No Longer Top of the Class

How to forgive yourself for a bad grade

55
When You're No Longer Top of the Class
natcom.org

You probably used to be an honors kid in high school, you took all the "smart kid" classes and never had to study. You were told for years how intelligent you were, and the continuous straight A's were evidence of it. But now, you're in college, and suddenly you're finding yourself struggling. You've never had to study in your entire life, and now you're barely scraping by in a basic science course because you've realized you don't know how to study, it's a skill you never had to learn. Soon, you're in class and you're feeling overwhelmed because everyone else seems to be getting it and you're confused. This is what it feels like to have lost that spot at the top of the class, and it's hard, believe me. But it's not the end of the world, or your academic career.

Last semester, I got my first B in college. It was devastating. I was completely abhorred by the fact that the letter grade next to that class would never be an A, that I had failed to get the grade. It took a lot of time, and a lot of convincing from my friends, to realize that a B is not the worst thing that can happen in college, especially in a class that's not at all related to your major. I've become more and more aware that the expectations I place on myself aren't very healthy, and that for the majority of last semester I was killing myself to get the GPA I wanted. That's not how college should be, that's not how life should be. I'm only nineteen, I'm fated to make mistakes and to fail sometimes, but a B is not a failure. It's actually not even close, but when you're used to getting all A's it's easy to make that assumption.

This semester is fresh, I've just started my fall courses, and I've already found myself a little bit overwhelmed by one of my courses. I started to worry again that I'd be left behind, that I wouldn't be able to get the grade I wanted, that I would look stupid etc. But education isn't supposed to scare you, it's supposed to empower you. Maybe this class will be really hard, and maybe I won't get the grade I want, but I'll be a better student after it. I'll know what it means to work harder for something I want, to be more dedicated to my studies. Being an honors student in high school was a disservice to my educational perceptions, I began to feel entitled to good grades because I had always received them. But being smart isn't enough to be a good student, you have to put in the time and the effort. It's time to stop flying by the seat of my pants and relying on my wits to pull me through, it's time to actually work for what I want.

No longer being top of the class isn't defeat, it's incentive. A good grade is worth nothing if you did nothing to deserve it, and a bad grade doesn't mean you are incapable of achieving great things. Education is weird, college is weird, you can try your hardest and still never understand exactly why or how a galaxy is formed, but don't expect to float by without some effort being put in. You don't have to stop living to get good grades either, let your college years be everything they should be- mistakes, memories, awkward moments, bad decisions, great friendships, amazing opportunities, they're all a part of it. Not being at the top isn't the worst thing that can happen to you, so forgive yourself a little for that B.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

54679
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

35182
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

957408
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

183777
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments