Several students give their take on “The Perfect Student”
What makes a good student a good student?
Is it straight As decorating their report card? Their above-average GPA, or the positive, mature relationships they maintain with their classmates and teachers?
According to Barrington High School students, a good student falls somewhere between all of these points.
During these past few days, as the back-to-school spirit has officially eased to a more comfortable rhythm, I interviewed multiple students about what they thought a good student was. Throughout these interviews, I have discovered a pattern in the responses received.
Freshman Grace Turillo stated that she believed a good student “tries their hardest every day, even if it may not be 100% all the time.” Effort seemed to have been the most common aspect of many responses. A good student does not necessarily have to be considered extraordinarily intelligent, because a reflection of their effort amounts to far more. When asked, she believed that the number grade received doesn’t define a person, nor should it ever.
Another freshman, Ivy Simon, explained that she believed a good student was “well-rounded, not just entirely academic.” She expressed that a student who made efforts to participate in their community through clubs and extracurricular activities was her definition of a good student.
Similarly, a sophomore student Sam Bishop described someone who adequately manages their time, balancing social activities with academics to be excellent. He stated that a good student “works for a community, club, team, and as an individual all at once.” Whatever they may participate in, they make sure to be there, to show up and actively play a part. They’re kind to everyone around them, becoming an enjoyable person to be around.
Another common aspect of excellence was self-discipline, which freshman Julia Edgar-Smith explained that “you also need to be responsible for yourself.” Taking accountability for your actions and never pushing responsibility onto others is a critical part of being a good student. She explained that this personal responsibility also meant that a student was mentally strong. She remarked that a mentally strong person positively impacts everyone around them. If the student lifts others to excel, they themselves are an ideal example of a friend and student.
Finally, junior student Megha Tenneti, responded with a vastly different idea. She stated that a good student was “whatever you want it to be.”
She explained that a good student should not be an idea others define it to be. After all, everyone’s boundaries and environments are different, leading to contrasting ideas about themselves and the world around them. This same notion applies to excellence in school.
When I asked her to further elaborate, she did so without hesitation, explaining that after a student stops comparing themselves to others, they are likely to become a stronger student.
Finally, BHS’ Vision of the Graduate” includes the words “Be empowered. Excel. Positively impact the future.” A good student, according to our school, will be inspired and inspire others, pushing not only themselves but the people around them to strive for greatness.
A good student isn’t a concrete definition. It’s not bound within the walls of academic excellence and social greatness. A good student represents a balance. A balance of passion for learning and a resilience to different conflicts.
It means effort, participation, and most importantly, acceptance. Acceptance of not only everyone around you, but also yourself.