Taking notess and cramming for tests is often necessary for students to pass, but learning and embracing one’s education is more important.
By Connor Devereux | Sports Editor
It was 10 in the evening. The day was long and the student was exhausted after a strenuous athletic practice. After a quick shower, he scarfed down a sandwich and took out his calculus homework. It was time to cram. Two hours later, the student was ready for the test. He scored well on the test, but couldn’t remember anything he learned two weeks later. This scenario is common among high school students. Cramming for a test and forgetting information soon after is a skill many high school students have perfected. However, memorizing facts for an A grade instead of actually learning and growing throughout high school is not necessarily beneficial to a student’s future. Instead, students should take advantage of all their education has to offer.
Learning concepts and gaining knowledge is more important than memorizing facts is because individuals learn persistence; this is a great trait to have in the future because it helps one push through hard times. If there is a difficult scenario, a motivated individual will be able to overcome it. Many students shy away from classes like College Writing or Calculus because they may get a low grade and the courses sound difficult. However, participating in challenging classes such as these is a necessity. Tough classes stretch the brain and force students to develop better habits for their future.
Another skill students must learn in high school is communication. Many smart students will fly through high school but ultimately lack the ability to speak to other adults. Students should involve themselves in activities to improve their communication skills. If a person cannot communicate in a proper manner, they will encounter serious difficulties in seeking employment. Speech and drama are great programs that teach students to speak and express themselves. Athletics can also help students develop communication skills through leadership opportunities and the interactions they have with others.
Students also need to develop curiosity. Children regularly ask questions such as, “Why is the sky blue, why do birds sing and why is the ocean so big?” Adolescents tend to lose their curiosity later in life. This can affect one’s schoolwork. Instead of completing an assignment for a grade, students should also think about what the teacher is trying to demonstrate and what is to be learned. The world is changing into a place where people need skills which are difficult to acquire. Our culture needs people who can think outside the box, invent new products and discover solutions to problems. The world needs people who make an effort to go the extra mile and develop their knowledge.
Individuals should strive to challenge themselves and step outside their comfort zones. Sometimes the hard way is better. While earning a high GPA is commendable, it is also important for individuals to gain knowledge and skills that will help them in the future.
