'Forget about the grade'

By Rebecca Fox-Bivona

What's so important about grades anyway? Why is it a big deal if you get a B instead of an A? I used to think that school's main purpose was getting grades, good grades, only the best grades, but boy was I wrong. It took me a while to learn, but I think I've finally discovered the value of school.

My freshman year at Santa Margarita Catholic High School -- a very academically competitive school -- was exciting. I took honors classes and felt compelled to do my best. I received A's most of my academic life and strived to continue that trend.

Entering a private school wasn't going to keep me from my straight-A record. Going to class, I felt similar to how estranged Catholics feel: I was just going through the motions. I went to class, took the tests and was rewarded. It was a pretty good process until one day I realized something.

Maybe there was something more to school than grades and looking for good colleges senior year. I was getting ready to graduate and end my high school career, and looking back, I thought to myself, "What did I really get out of my classes?" I'd honestly forgotten I'd taken some classes in the first place.

I asked some of my friends what they thought of the classes they took. Most replied with blank faces, unable to answer. Being surrounded by grade-obsessed International Baccalaureate overachievers taught me something: Grades really aren't all that important.

Upon coming to Santa Clara, I made a promise to myself, a promise that I would no longer enter a class thinking I would get an A. Instead, I would enter it with an open, interested mind. I was willing to work hard for the sake of my personal education.

Wow, was college a shock. I'd never gotten two C's on one report card, especially not in classes I loved. How odd. But when I think about it, does it really matter that I got C's in those classes? Or is it more important that I enjoyed them, that I learned a lot from them? I choose the latter.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying I don't want to get good grades. It's as important to me as it is to anybody. However, I think that what I get out of the class is more important than the grade I receive.

We are so fortunate to be in higher education with these gifted and passionate professors, sharing their life stories, their knowledge and wisdom. We should take advantage of that and grow from the stories we hear.

So when you think your business calculus or organic chemistry class might be dull or grueling, look for the real educational value behind it. Forget about the grade for a minute. Sit back and enjoy your classes. I know I do, and I love this school that much more.

Rebecca Fox-Bivona is a sophomore political science and sociology major.