As March and April unfold, graduation ceremonies take place for students from kindergarten to college. Every child dreams of walking up the stage to receive their awards, marking milestones in their educational journey. It is during these stages that dreams are formed and, hopefully, achieved.
However, for some, these dreams can be shattered by the grades they receive. Certain colleges require specific qualifying grades to pursue majors like engineering or nursing. If students fall below these thresholds, they may need to shift courses or seek institutions with more flexible requirements.
Many wonder why some schools have higher standards than others. This disparity, I believe, highlights the difference between knowledge and intelligence. Prestigious universities set high standards by initially filtering out average and below-average students, accepting only those who demonstrate exceptional intelligence.
In my experience leading staff from both renowned state universities and lesser-known colleges, I’ve observed that “street-smart” individuals often excel over scholars in practical life skills. While educational background is crucial for job applications, I focus on the philosophical aspects of an applicant—disposition, beliefs, and not just grades.
I’ve known many successful individuals who were quiet achievers in school but later excelled in their chosen fields, amassing fame and wealth that few could have predicted. The beauty of being average lies in the lack of constant pressure to excel. Honor students, on the other hand, face immense expectations from family, classmates, and community, always needing to perform at their best.
While the Department of Education (DepEd) and schools strive to produce top graduates, average students still form the majority. In the past, honors were limited to the top three students, but now the system has expanded to include more students. Today, DepEd uses a bracketed system where honors are awarded based on grade ranges: 90-94 (with Honors), 95-97 (with High Honors), and 98-100 (with Highest Honors). The reward system has also been broadened to recognize achievements beyond academics.
Ultimately, success should be defined by the students themselves. It is this self-definition that distinguishes the superior from the average and determines how they will navigate life after college as productive members of society.
In the end, it is not others who define us, but we who define what we want to become. To all graduates, whether in preschool, elementary, high school, or college, follow your heart, and where your heart is, your dreams will be as well. ||
