On a positive note though; it seems that overall, it’s becoming more and more “cool” to be smart and kind. Like the kids killing it in school or who are above and beyond kind towards others nowadays are a lot of times the popular ones.
Crazy how much your environment can influence what you aim and strive for. I was one of the "smart ones" in the black population of my high school but I was friends with the wrong crowd and settled for less as far as academic pursuits go. We moved and when I switched schools I started hanging around people who took education seriously and pushed themselves - I didn't even seek this crowd out, it was just by accident. When I realized I was just as smart as them I decided to set my sights higher and strive for more; switched from all basic courses to either AP or dual credit. Made friends with the valedictorian and a teacher who believed in me and tried to get into a college I'd never thought I could get in. Fast forward a few years and I graduated with my masters at 24. Long story short - watch the company you keep.
sik_bahamut on April 23rd, 2019 at 14:24 UTC »
Sad as shit.
On a positive note though; it seems that overall, it’s becoming more and more “cool” to be smart and kind. Like the kids killing it in school or who are above and beyond kind towards others nowadays are a lot of times the popular ones.
BrothaBigBones on April 23rd, 2019 at 14:30 UTC »
Crazy how much your environment can influence what you aim and strive for. I was one of the "smart ones" in the black population of my high school but I was friends with the wrong crowd and settled for less as far as academic pursuits go. We moved and when I switched schools I started hanging around people who took education seriously and pushed themselves - I didn't even seek this crowd out, it was just by accident. When I realized I was just as smart as them I decided to set my sights higher and strive for more; switched from all basic courses to either AP or dual credit. Made friends with the valedictorian and a teacher who believed in me and tried to get into a college I'd never thought I could get in. Fast forward a few years and I graduated with my masters at 24. Long story short - watch the company you keep.
smilenowgirl on April 23rd, 2019 at 16:18 UTC »
I got made fun of for wearing a seatbelt on a field trip once.