There seems to be a trend lately: some of my peers are laughing off poor grades and being proud of simply skating by. I’m not sure if this is really something new, or just something I’ve started noticing in the last little while, but recently, it’s really rubbed me the wrong way.
If you’re not putting any effort in academically, I’m not sure why you’re in university. I don’t know why anyone would waste so much time and money if you only want to meet the bare minimum and you hate what you’re doing.
When it comes to applying for post-graduate programs or jobs after university, your grades are going to count. “C’s get degrees,” but C’s don’t get you into a Master’s program, let alone giving you any leg up in the working world.
So try now while you have the chance. A lot of university is simply doing your assignments and going to class. It’s a simple concept that will keep you on top of your academics, but even that seems to be optional these days.
Extracurriculars are important, I’m certainly not denying that. You have to be well-diversified and find a balance in your life. But if I can handle working two jobs, doing various extracurriculars, and still have the effort to do my schoolwork all whilst handling a mental illness, I’m not sure what anyone else’s excuse is.
The reason we’re in university is to learn. Yes, of course, university leads to more opportunities and specializations, but you have to go through years of learning to get to those opportunities and they are byproducts of your education.
I’m not saying that everyone has to be an Honours student, either. You should be proud of your accomplishments, no matter the grades you get. But I don’t know why you would be proud if you don’t take anything seriously.
We are all so incredibly lucky to be in the positions we are. Don’t take that for granted.
Do your best and don’t settle for mediocracy. We can all do so much better than the bare minimum.