The Importance of Grades

[Aureity 3,055]

I used to be a nerd like the rest of my school.

Then I took an arrow to the knee.

Okay, that was bad, sorry. Let me try this again...

 

Ever heard of that book "Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother?" If you haven't, just imagine a sterotypical asian's study habits. For a long time that was me, or rather, it was my parents forcing me to "Find X or find a new home". It's not that I didn't want good grades. Who doesn't? But I wasn't really willing to go to the extremes they were pushing me to in order to achieve those grades. But eight years since this all started, I'm beginning to reflect on my life. Now I'm wondering: Was it really worth it?

 

I guess they've succeeded in what they did. I have a GPA higher than 4. I get straight As. And I go to a magnet school chock-full of other nerds like me. And in return, I've had to give up my childhood. While others were fiddling around with an XBox, I was trying to find the X of a box. And the only Facebooking I got was when I had to face a book and read. It got bad enough that I had to start sneaking in some time. A few minutes of games, here. A few more there. Just to enjoy a period of blissful happiness, no matter how brief. And now that I look upon the massive list of parent-induced accomplishments I've earned, I have to say: Yes, I guess my parents did succeed. But now I start to wonder...if they failed as well.

 

I've always been given the same old excuse whenever I questioned the system. It would help me when I grow up. I could find a better job. Whatever it was. And I used to believe that sort of thing. It made sense, after all. Or, at least it used to. I'm not so sure anymore. Great, so I can go to an amazing college, acquire amazing student debt, and graduate to get an amazing job to pay off that student debt. Seems legit, parents. I'm no fool-I've seen my dad and mom working. My mom works as a programmer/engineer for Lockheed Martin, a defense contractor. It definitely took more than a bit of studying to get something like that, and the salary associated with it. But is it worth it? I see her come home every day, exhausted and worn-out, before she makes dinner and trudges upstairs to fall asleep. She used to have time to talk to me. Used to being the keyword here. And my dad? Hell, I'm lucky if I see him come home before I fall asleep (and for those of you who know my sleep patterns, that's VERY late). I wish I was kidding, but apparently managing a company branch is that bad. Despite all this, I always just blindly obeyed the "system".

 

My Little Pony changed that for me. A spark of light in the deepest abyss-not of sorrow, but of apathy. Seeing those colorful little ponies running around the computer screen brightened my day. Always. I actually had something to look forward to as I trudged home every day. And seeing those ponies just made me happy in a way even I don't fully understand. But I know a large part of it has to do with a core theme in MLP. Friendship. Not that I was forever alone, by any means. But my friends were only really "schoolfriends"-I'm sure you know what I mean. And any time they'd ever ask if I wanted to come over or hang out, I'd have to decline-my parents wouldn't let me, as it would "drag down my grades." And now, seeing the power of friendship for the first time, I began regretting every missed opportunity. I began regretting my choices, and most of all, my childhood-or lack thereof.

 

So what if I get a good job? I'll have more money, yes. And although I'm not one of those who claim money is the root of all evil, I'm becoming steadily more and more aware that it can't buy happiness either. More and more I'm starting to realize that, although the "common people" envy the "rich" like Warren Buffet, they actually have it better off. Look how much time Buffet spent perfecting his investment techniques. He's obviously pretty bucking succesful from the looks of it. But how much time did he spend doing it? That was the road on which I was headed (to a much smaller extent, of course) Being able to afford a vacation to France is nice. But personally, I'd rather be in a group of friends taking a road trip to California, any day. Money lasts a long time. But memories are forever.

 

I don't really know why I'm writing this. I have some much homework piled up on my desk that it's threatening to topple over. I guess it's partly to get it off my chest. But it's also a plea to the rest of you. Please. If any of you are in a situation like this, reconsider. If I can help just one person with their life, and avoid the trap I fell into, all of this would have been worth it. Take charge of your life, and don't let others cheat you out of the one thing money can't buy-happiness.

 

As for me, I'm not finished yet. My past memories are sealed in stone, but new ones can always be created. It's time to take my life back.

Edited May 1, 2012 by Aureity

[Why-Gnome-Ear-Fifty 400]

You might not have helped me realize much, but I will back everything you say up. This was more or less my life too. Only I'm so lazy that I didn't work hard.....but no matter! I used to be all sad and stuff because I thought my life sucked, and I had so much homework, and my parents just keep pushing me, and school was boring, etc etc etc. I don't know how, but MLP just makes me happier every day (especially this forum!)

 

Aaaaaand my post isn't very related once I read it over again. Seems more like a thank-you note to MLP. Well, everyone just read Aureity's post and apply another forum member's experience to it!

[Swordfishtrombone 384]

I never have thought about people in that situation. But now that I do, I have to think. Why? You can't have everything, everything is going to go back some day. Better to be poor and friendly, happy and satisfied than rich and worried, overworked and stressed.

[Akemi Homura 7,680]

That was beautifully written, Aureity. For the main point, I'm ecstatic to see a person understanding the real value behind friendship and taking the time to see people, and such. As my parents say, grades are very important to have, but if you don't meet people in your life (whom you would come to adore), your life will be dull (though, ironically, my parents themselves don't have TOO many friends).

 

It was somewhat similar to my childhood, except my schedule was always hectic and for the most part I ended up playing video games all the time, yet I still managed to get good grades (with the help of tutors). It wasn't until the near-end of the 8th grade did I realize what friendship really was.

[Flow 1,629]

It was a coincidence that MLP changed my life, it made me a happier person

[Ezynell 2,037]

Wow, that was not only amazingly written, but quite inspiring. I'm in a slightly similar situation with the difference that my parents don't push me quite as hard as they did you. I do have a "stereotypical" Asian mom in the sense that she is always pushing me regardless to do better in school, but that's not necessarily a bad thing when my dad helps me with my work and lays off the pressure. Personally, I'm just going to find something I enjoy that I'm good at and not worry about the pay or my debt. I think I'd love my life allot better if I became the happy go lucky type. That's more or less what my parents push me to do anyways, and hey, if it is something that makes a decent amount of money, good for me.

[Jokarr 70]

aureity that was awesome i know what you mean man minus that whole nerd thing (im not smart by any means XD just logical) i think its great you found somethin to cheer you up and slightly brighten up your day.

 

I stumbled onto MLP on accident but ever since i discovered it im not as stressed out or angry all the time. i dont flip out and havent been in as many figths as i used to XD i love MLP and the forums just make them that much better!

[Twiliscael 3,960]

I feel as if I just read a monologue or something. Beautiful.

Well, i really don't know what to say. I would try to console you, but that doesnt help much now does it? So, buck up and make the most out of what's left in your life, i suppose!

[Key Gear 6,663]

I began regretting every missed opportunity. I began regretting my choices, and most of all, my childhood-or lack thereof.

 

This is a good post, and it is a very good lesson to learn. Personally, I wish that I had read something like this about a decade ago. Be thankful that you learned this lesson relatively early in life.

 

With that said, you should not have any regrets. While you may have missed a few opportunities, you are still young. Think about it. Because you have learned this lesson early in life, you will know not to miss out on opportunities in the future, and, trust me, you will have many more opportunities.

 

Ultimately, the most important thing to keep in mind for your life is to have no regrets. When you are presented with an opportunity to make a friend or to do something out of the ordinary, you should ask yourself one question:

 

"If I skip this opportunity, could I spend the next 20 years of my life agonizing over what could have been?"

 

If the answer to this question is yes, then you should do it - whatever it may be. You only get to live life once. You should make the most out of it.

 

I realize that you are saddened by some of the things that you have missed out on, but try not to forget that you still have quite a few interesting opportunities in your future. You should look forward to them! Be thankful that you are walking into your future with your eyes opened just a little wider to the value of both life and friendship.

Edited April 12, 2012 by Scootacool

[Ragtime 60]

OMG OP you are my soulmate

i think this exactly

[I used to be a stranger 7,994]

Regrets? I've had a few.

Don't dwell on experiences past; create ones anew.

Live life for what it is, not gripe of what it could have been.

Serve the ultimate master, or else rot in the mire of sin.

 

I live for Christ, it brings me happiness

Despite what all may claim for religious sappiness

I lie if I say it's easy or fun

But I trust in the saying the battle's won

 

All things are faith, to some degree

Reason and facts as well, you'll see

 

A compass to guide life's little choices

Makes the grandest change in one's voices

 

For if "the everyday" is inconsequential,

since when should life be a thing make-sensical?

 

Serve not wealth or family, friends or high places

All they make is shadows, smoke and nutcases.

Serve the Lord God, Almighty in Power

And all these good things you'll receive in the Final Hour.

[Rainboom24 47]

no joke, that moved me. i have heard of and read parts of battle hymn of the tiger mother. my parents are almost like that. i get straight a's also, and have somewhat of a social life - the only problem is i get almost no sleep because in the day i spend time with my friends and through the night i study and do homework... of course, my parents are unaware.