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IT!
© St. Petersburg Times, published January 13, 2003
I am sitting in the auditorium waiting for the semester awards to be distributed for academic success. I find myself thinking about these awards differently from how I have before. I wonder how many students in this auditorium hate this day.
It comes around at the end of each grading period. I guess that for some in this room, it is the highlight of their semester. This is the day they get rewarded for their hard work, or not-so-hard work, considering that some people are naturally smart and some just don't care. I would think that for others it is one of the most dreaded days of the semester because once again they have not measured up to expectations.
A vast number of students must act as if this day is no big deal. They never have been, and probably never will be, recognized on this day. They either find other ways to get accolades at school or they blend into the woodwork and no one notices them.
It is not important in which group I find myself as I am reflecting today. What is important to me is how this day sets us apart and defines us by our grade point averages and successes and failures. I hear myself saying that that's the way the real world operates, too. I guess I wish there was another way to recognize all students for their efforts, regardless of whether they receive an A or a C as a final grade.
I also know that this is an inefficient way of living; it seems that the people who make A's may also be those who go further in life. But how about the people who work hard, stay focused, never cause trouble but are not A students? I think I have heard them referred to as "steady Eddies," whatever that means. I think most of the people in this room deep down are that kind of person, but I have never known anyone to get an award for that. Crazy thoughts, huh! I am not sure that is true.
Sometimes I wonder if the most important thing isn't to find our place and excel in it. I think we all need that certain time when we can be recognized for the gifts and abilities we do have. I know that all of us can't be football stars, acclaimed musicians or accomplished artists. I also know that we can't all make the marks on report cards that will earn numerous awards. I do believe, though, that we all have something within us that is worthy of recognition, but it often seems that no venue presents those types of awards.
The principal just stepped onto the stage. All the proud parents have found their seats, and the digital and video cameras have been turned on. The special speaker for today's assembly has been announced.
The words will be the same as the last time we had our assembly for academic awards. Be the best you can be. Excel and study hard. Your success depends solely on you. Grades do matter in the bigger picture. Apply yourself and you will go far in life.
I often look around at the mandatory attendance and wonder if anyone is hearing these messages except the ones who already know this stuff.
The point of academic awards is no different from that of any other award given to people. It is to spotlight and acknowledge the efforts of the people receiving them. Is there an award for being a "steady Eddie"? Maybe I will propose that we add this to our agenda to research for our next student council meeting.
I wonder if the parents of the "steady Eddies" are as proud of their students as these parents I see in this room today. Everybody wants to be recognized for doing well sometimes. Are there awards for the masses, because that is where most of us find ourselves most of the time.
- IT! (Private thoughts of the Indomitable Teen) is written by Cecilia Tucker under the editorial guidance of a panel of teenagers (in exchange for pizza and volunteer hours). Tucker is a licensed marriage and family therapist at the Counseling Center for New Direction in Seminole. Comments are welcome. You may write c/o: IT!, Xpress, the Times, P.O. Box 1121, St. Petersburg, FL 33731, or e-mail Floridian@sptimes.com. If you are interested in being on the teen editorial panel, please contact Cecilia Tucker at revcecilia@msn.com.