Psycho-Babble Parents Thread 41

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Academic achievements and mood swings

Posted by Rzip on October 25, 2000, at 21:16:26

To me, academic success means everything. And I mean everything. But many grown-ups do not seem to comprehend the value of academic achievements to a struggle college student.

Being that most of you guys are parents, I would like to get a sense of your perspective on the subject.

Do anyone understand how important academic achievements can be to a student?

Thanks for your responses in advance.

 

Re: Academic achievements and mood swings

Posted by ginbro on November 6, 2000, at 21:05:23

In reply to Academic achievements and mood swings, posted by Rzip on October 25, 2000, at 21:16:26

>I'm assuming here you are a student.

It's great that you value academic achievement. If you have struggled to learn, that is a triumph over any self-doubt you may have had, and a nice in-your-face to any early educators that didn't see your potential.

There are different types of academic achievement, however. Yes, there are grades. They are a nice yardstick. But how do you perceive the quality of the work you have done? What did you get out of it?

I say this because I recently finished grad school after 20 years of no school. I busted my tail and did great papers that I was proud of. Got great grades, too, but the personal growth is what made it worth it.

Relish the goal, but don't forget the experience of the journey getting to it. Many things in life educate us. Which ones are we better for?

Keep knockin' them dead!


To me, academic success means everything. And I mean everything. But many grown-ups do not seem to comprehend the value of academic achievements to a struggle college student.
>
> Being that most of you guys are parents, I would like to get a sense of your perspective on the subject.
>
> Do anyone understand how important academic achievements can be to a student?
>
> Thanks for your responses in advance.

 

Re: Academic achievements and mood swings

Posted by Shell on November 10, 2000, at 9:54:56

In reply to Re: Academic achievements and mood swings, posted by ginbro on November 6, 2000, at 21:05:23

I am both a parent (of small children) and a part-time college student. I can understand how important academic success can seem. I was tempted to retake the GRE, even though I got a 2180, because I felt I needed a better score. Why? What difference would that make? I wasn't worried that I wouldn't be admitted; it just bothered me. I still regret (more than ten years later) the less than stellar grades I got as an undergradute (3.5). Right now, I have a 4.0, but each course I complete only increases the pressure to not screw up my perfect GPA. I have actually taken a break from classes because my depression has taken a turn for the worse and I can't deal with the fact that it will affect my grades.

Having said all that, is the way I feel healthy or appropriate? No, I am sure it is not. I have OCD in addition to depression and I suspect that it also plays a part in my feelings about grades. Sometimes, I have to remind myself that this may affect my thinking.

I agree with everything Ginbro has said -- his (hers?) is the proper perspective, not mine. I just wanted you to know that there are other people (even parents!) that do understand how you feel.

Shell

 

Re: Academic achievements and mood swings

Posted by Sara T on November 27, 2000, at 0:06:56

In reply to Academic achievements and mood swings, posted by Rzip on October 25, 2000, at 21:16:26

> To me, academic success means everything. And I mean everything. But many grown-ups do not seem to comprehend the value of academic achievements to a struggle college student.
>
> Being that most of you guys are parents, I would like to get a sense of your perspective on the subject.
>
> Do anyone understand how important academic achievements can be to a student?
>
> Thanks for your responses in advance.

I grew up with an undiagnosed ADD, because that was before anyone even knew about ADD. I started failing at things in high school and was convinced I was never going to get into any college and that was the only thing I was geared to do. The only thing acceptable to my family.

I went through most of my school believing I was stupid and worthless. It wasn't until life experiences as an adult proved to me that indeed I was not stupid that I began to believe it. Then I went back to school at 33 and got a degree in architecture. That was important to me, not because of the desire to be an architect, but just to prove that I could do it. But I gained alot in the doing. My grades weren't the highest, but I got through some very tough courses without a very good math background. I have two small ones now that need alot of tutoring, and one thing I hope I will impart to them is that they don't have to be perfect, just do their best. They will be good at some things and not so good at other things and hopefully will accept themselves and learn to deal with their strengths and weaknesses. And if they don't win the Nobel prize, life will still go on and have many worthwhile moments.

I guess I would like you to know that many of us have been where you are now, and we do understand.
Sara T.


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