We are approaching the end of the year, meaning the inevitable is coming: report cards.
We can’t deny that there isn’t at least a small amount of anxiety that surrounds the thought of receiving our report cards and having to show our parents. The few weeks before we receive them are definitely stressful considering we may feel the need to rush to hand everything in before the cutoff.
To those who stress immensely about their report cards, who compare their marks to their friends who get As, or to those who dread having to hand poor marks back to their parents, perhaps we should be reminded that our grades do not necessarily define us; there is more to the world than academics.
Those who have lower grades may not always see that they are not as terrible as it seems. We can’t excel at everything we touch. It’s okay to struggle in math or science or any other class. We have teachers always there to help us and ease the pressures, yet sometimes, some subjects merely just do not click; you could be amazing at art and creative classes, while in math you have troubles, or even the other way around.
This brings me to the comments at the bottom of the report card, which can sometimes be the most important part. Although it should be mentioned that it is difficult to write individual observations for each and every student, the commentary should not go unnoticed. The words can sometimes mean more than the letters. Simply summarizing our work habits and academic performance in one letter or percentage does not do us justice.
There is so much more that goes into our work. Parent-teacher meetings can also be crucial at times, they inform and enlighten parents as to on what goes on at school and in class. Taking the time to hear the teacher’s words and input on a student’s performance can mean a lot.
In all, when we receive our report cards, we should remind ourselves that there is much more to us than our test score and percentages. Life will be full of opportunities that suit our needs, talents and passions, and school is only one part of the beginning.
Macy How is a grade 10 student at Brooks Secondary School.
