I'm still grappling with the realization that, ultimately, my grades meant absolutely nothing. Nothing.
Look, I wasn't some academic overachiever. I didn't sacrifice my precious gaming time for homework. In fact, I aced tests without much effort. Being able to process information rather easily sometimes is what pride myself on. It's really no fun when you struggle, so gaining a general understanding rather quickly is always pretty cool.
But still, I feel like a complete and utter clown for the effort I *did* put in. I genuinely believed that listening in class, paying attention and actually trying to apply what was learned would set me up for a successful adult life. What a joke.
It didn't do a damn thing. And to add insult to injury, I've seen countless success stories about the class clown, the kid who never paid attention, going on to do incredibly cool things. They were right.
Every single kid who said, "We're never going to use this in the real world," was absolutely right. They were all right.
So, if you're currently stuck in the American public school system(I'm so sorry for you. If was a shit show when I was locked in those doors. I hear it's even worse for the current group of kids!), listen up. I'm telling you this from experience: make a list of things that actually interest you. And then, go learn about them outside of the classroom. Do it yourself.
You're not going to convince the school system to focus on anything remotely interesting, useful or fun. They don't care. So, take control of your own education. Explore your passions and anything that may help you in the long run.
Don't waste your time trying to be an Honor Roll kid.