So, school is hard. We all know this. But from the start of middle school, my unhealthy relationship with grades began. No matter what I tried to convince myself, I would always associate my self-worth with my GPA. And the scary part is, so too did a lot of my close friends.
One terrifying consequence of the education system is the damaging toll it takes on mental health. But not just that, it produces toxicity concerning grades. An unhealthy relationship with grades isn’t just something you can get rid of. It carries on with you as you enter college, and much like it did for me, it can get worse.
That was so damaging. Learning is one of the most amazing things about being human and having a human brain. But I was too blind to see that.
If there is one piece of advice I would give to any other student who struggles with an unhealthy relationship with grades, it is to add the word “yet” to any negative statement you repeat to yourself. If you say to yourself that you aren’t a science person, then tell yourself you aren’t a science person yet. That one subtle change opens up the door for growth, which allows you to adopt a growth mindset. If you tell yourself that you aren’t good at English, tell yourself that you aren’t good at English just yet. Maybe you are struggling now, but if you put in the time and stick to it, you will be. One of my favorite Study/Lifestyle Youtubers, UnJaded Jade, helped teach me this invaluable information. Here is a link to her YouTube video on maintaining a growth mindset.
