School is really simple if you look at it closely. Social politics aside, you only need to be good at one of two things to consider yourself a success: math and science, or sports. If you are good at one of these things you will find reassurance that you are destined for greatness. A student who is good at logic will undoubtedly be able to get good grades because they have mastered the art of memorizing textbook information and regurgitating it on demand. Even if these kids never snatch the hottest prom date in school, at least they'll have good enough grades and test scores to snatch a spot at a good university.
The sporty ones also have a good measure of success. Being good at sports means never being embarrassed in gym class because they stood and stared as a ball came flying at their face. It means building self confidence and determination at a young age, which is essential to surviving high school. These kids may not have a 4.0, but they have enough drive and talent to make it into a decent university.
So what about the other kids? Don't get me wrong, high school may be difficult for most kids but the majority make it through and move on to bigger and better things. But what about the kid who doesn't respond well to standardized testing? The one who aces the art of being social, but can't quite ace the final exam? That kid was me. I spent my whole life thinking that because I couldn't get a good grade on a multiple choice exam that I was stupid. It wasn't until college that I realized I wasn't so stupid after all. So for all the kids who are 0 for 2, this is for you.
