THE AVERAGE STUDENT: AN UNSUNG HERO.

 

The term ‘average’ is defined differently. For this context, we will refer to it as something that’s ordinary, typical, mediocre or not exceptional. An ‘average student’ is a term used to describe a student whose grades are within the middle range of Cs or Bs. They don’t really thrive in a certain course but they also don’t struggle with it. There is, however, an unseen struggle beyond the grades of an average student.

Being an average student is not at all a bad thing. There’s a number of reasons a student may be average like having a lack of interest in the particular course, personal issues that may distract them, low confidence and self-doubt, and so on. Being average does not define ones potential or future success. This is evident from the number of famous persons who were average students like, J.K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter Series, Mark Zuckerberg, co-founder of Facebook, even Beethoven who failed his music lessons but went on to be a significant figure in the field of classical music.

As a result of being an average student, we are faced with a number of problems which may include; feeling useless compared to the high-achieving students, a lack of clear goals and being under looked or underestimated by peers or lecturers increasing the chances of missed opportunities. It does not mean you’re not smart enough. Average students possess a number of positive traits such as; resilience when challenged with a setback, they are more creative and think outside the box and also they are often more focused on real life application and not just book-smart application. Speaking with a few of my high-achieving peers, they each believe that just because they get higher grades doesn’t mean they’re smarter than ones who get average grades. It could just be that they’d understood the course better or they just pushed extra harder in getting the good grades. They also believe that sometimes the students who get average grades have better shots at certain opportunities but because they are over looked, they don’t get the chance to show their full potential.

Larry Lorenzoni once said, “the average person thinks he isn’t.” This suggests that people tend to underestimate themselves and doubt their own potential causing them to be average and not thrive higher in what they do. While it’s great to acknowledge average grades and the positive traits of an average student, we must not get too comfortable with them because it leads to a lack of motivation to do better, the number of missed opportunities get higher and it limits growth and potential.

Consider the following pieces of advice given by some high-achieving students to the average student;

“There’s so much you can do and there’s no humility in being comfortable with being average.” –JESSICA, LAW.

“We each have the potential to be at the top if we just put in the hard work and determination.” –ORLIE, PUBLIC HEALTH.

“If you want more room for success, you’ve got to make some sacrifices.” –PRINCE, ACCA.

“Don’t focus on what other people think about your own capabilities, know yourself and your potential.” –LUYANDO, LAW.

“Never stop trying for time and chance happen to us all, Ecclesiastes 9:11.” –DJ, LAW.