Why Settle for Less?

The last marking period of this school year so far has been a revealing one. As my teachers were putting together their grades for each of their students, many would have been pleased with my success. Precalc. Chemistry. Those are two subjects at which I wasn’t good in the past. The grades for both of those classes were excellent. My grades in Chorus and Latin both improved. All of the aforementioned classes gave me grades in the mid-90s. At first glance, one would marvel at how well I’ve been working in my classes.

However, one particular class — one in which my parents expect me to do well — presented an intoxicating grade. APUSH – 72. While the grade was not surprising, I did find the fact to be disturbing. Why should someone with my curiosity and interest in such a subject have to exit with such a grade? The answer lied in the text directly below the numerical grade. To paraphrase it, I was not putting full effort into my studies or my homework.

This situation gave me an ultimatum.

This moment acted as a wake-up call for any future actions.

This grade had to go.

I watched the news later that day. Falling house prices. CEOs spending money irresponsibly. Americans not getting what they wanted immediately when they wanted it. In the midst of all this, my situation was a “boo-hoo.” I realized at that moment that in order to improve my grade, I have to change my lifestyle. I had to change my attitude.

My attitude was a slave to impatience and instant gratification — I know you’ve heard that word numerous times now — but the point is this. When you find something you want, you have to wait for it. You actually have to fight for it. Why go for instant gratification instead of total gratification?

This is something my generation has yet to learn. While it is not entirely our fault — having been pampered by our parents — we cannot simply blame others in this scenario. Some parents spoil their children rotten, but is it really fair to say that? If you love your children and can afford to fulfill their desires, how can you say, “You can’t have that” or “No, honey, you’ve had enough”? We can do something to resolve this situation.

The answer isn’t to throw money around, whine, or execute other quick fixes. In order to get out of this mess — which is more than just an economic crisis — we have to view ourselves differently. We have to be willing to work for what we want, do things the right way, and earn the prize we seek. As the American dream says, “With hard work and determination, you can find a good life.” The new American dream says, “With hard cash and a Ferrari, you can make people think you have a good life.” The question I ask you is: “Why settle for less?”