Top of the class - the best student

Top of the class - Being the best student

Being a student is one of the happiest times in a person's life, and being the best, I am sure, will be the icing on the cake. Student life is a major period of formation of one’s character. This is also the time when principles of education are laid as a solid foundation for future use. The best student is one who has spent his/her days wisely in learning and accumulating as much information as possible, and getting prepared for the business of living. These are the days when the very groundwork of life is laid. A student is taught to become not just an educated geek or a nerd, but a cultured and disciplined human being. Student life is when attitudes are formed, attitudes which help make an impact on this little world we live in.

Pressures of student life - Preparing for life

Some may think that the pressures of student life are too much to bear, but this is what prepares a young person to face the stress and the pressures of normal adult life. The Bible says man was made for work. Yes, the work of the student is to get good grades but more importantly, it is to learn how to face life and the challenges it offers. Study should not only be directed towards cramming for the sake of getting good grades or marks, but should be a logical progression towards personal goals.

What makes you the best student?

Getting good marks of course, you might say, but not in my books. I would say that a student who has worked hard and efficiently at his/her job of learning the subjects, whilst being a person of character, good upbringing, morals and values is the best. I once had an experience of teaching a class of girls who just decided to be as unruly as possible. I proceeded with the teaching in the midst of all the drama. As I left, I thanked them and told them that I had not lost anything that day but had learnt that nothing was impossible for me. They, on the other hand, had lost a teacher who had great regards for them. I was stunned by the silence that struck the class and the reactions that emerged later. I was glad to go back to the class and that was my best class ever.

What it takes - to be the best

Responsibility Taking responsibility is what makes you stand out in a crowd. It would not be wrong to say that responsibility has to be instilled in children from childhood. If a student takes responsibility for the time he/she spends in college or school and decides to make it work for him/her, he/she will reap the maximum benefits of having spent so much time and consumed so much of their parents' resources. Being abreast with what happens in the class, taking extra efforts to obtain more information and making sure that you not only learn, but also apply your knowledge will put you at the top of the class.

Attitudes that you can do without, to be the best

Make no excuses. A major reason that makes students fall back is their habit of coming up with excuses and their attitude. I have found students who could easily be at the top of the class, being nowhere in the vicinity, because of their attitude and the excuses that they come up with. I believe that this is very important and will discuss this at length.

It is boring; there are more fun things to do. Well, I do agree that there are more fun things to do apart from working hard at your lessons. But student life is a microcosm of adult life, and in life, not all things are fun unless you make up your mind to enjoy what you do. Have fun, but not at the cost of being qualified or being equipped for life. Be balanced; study well and have fun.

My teachers are always against me. This excuse has often gone beyond my understanding. I am not saying that all teachers are great, but most of the time, all teachers want you to do well. It gives them a lot of pride to see their students doing exceptionally well. A month ago I had a meeting with my son’s teachers, and as he was graduating this year, I made it a point to personally thank all the teachers. What I heard brought tears to my eyes, so much so that I had to blink hard to keep my tears away. The aspirations that they have for each student, the faith they deposit in each student to be the bright candle that they would have wanted to be and the many dreams that they have for each student tells a story of its own. They are human beings and they want to see their wards do well, so treat your teacher as your ally and not your enemy.

I do not have enough time. Well, learn to mange your time. Yes, since the brightest spark in your class has the same number of hours in a day, they are obviously manging their time well. Learn the basics of time management and start applying it today.

There is too much to do. Yes, you are growing up and serious work and study habits have to replace the hours of play and fun. Cut distractions down to a minimum and you will find that you have more time than the others. Don’t study long; study smart and study hard. 

I cannot understand the subject. Don’t hesitate to take help. Use other learning techniques and study methods to enhance the way you study. Most of all, change your attitude. Believe in yourself and start enjoying what you are doing.

I will flunk anyway, what is the use of studying? That is no excuse at all. It is logical to assume that you will flunk, if you do not study and not the other way around. (I have heard it so many times that I decided to list it here) As a student your biggest responsibility is to study so make an effort to give it your all. Results come with effort.

Whatever …. This is one word that I hear from students everywhere, all the time. This word speaks so strongly about your values and your attitude. It tells people that you don’t care enough about what they say. You don’t care enough about anything. This is an attitude you may want to look at, without passion and aspiration you are not going to get anywhere.

Qualities that will take you from being a normal student to being the best student.

Be passionate about what you do. If you are, you are already on your way to be the best student ever. Find something that you want to become or grow up into and read and gather as much information as possible about it. Speak to people who work in that field. Talk to your friends about why you want to become a ________ and you will see your passion being fanned into flames, driving you to excel.

Self-discipline. This is one quality that will take you from being mediocre to being the best. When you learn to be self-disciplined, you find that everything has a time and a place. You will find yourself finishing your work on time, garnering more respect and being looked up to. Self discipline may be just the thing you do not want, but truly need, to help you shift gears from being an average student to the best.

Do the normal things

Listen to the lectures, take down notes, and do not stop with the regular assignments and homework given. Go a step further and do some research, work out more problems or learn related concepts. These are small things, but they will put you ahead of the class.

Be consistent with your study habits, rest and play. Follow a routine that works for you. Keep the distractions out. Do not be anxious or worried before exams; prepare well and do your best. Make sure to get good rest and activity, along with your studying.

If you could give your best to your activities, you will definitely be the best student. You should add extra circular activities and sports to your repertoire and you will shine through as the best. Being the best just needs determination and focus.