Do good grades make you a geek?

LAUREN OYLER/Hurricane

By Alexandria Finney
Poca High School

If you make straight A’s or have a grade point average above a 4.0, then this article may be for you.

Has anyone ever called you a geek or made you feel nerdy because you consider it a high priority to maintain an above-average GPA? Do others belittle you and cast personal insults your way because you make them feel inadequate from an academic standpoint? Do you feel like your self-esteem is constantly taking a beating from your peers because of your decision to make academics a major focus?

Everyone who makes good grades has at one time or another suffered from insults like geek, nerd or brown noser. But the important thing to remember while defending yourself against such insults is that “he who laughs last, laughs loudest.” If you work hard and maintain a superior GPA, then you will get the last laugh, especially when it comes to your college education, career choice and future.

Not everyone agrees that making good grades makes you a geek, though.

“Grades are essential to your future,” said Poca sophomore Rebecca Gibson. “Just look at Bill Gates — he was classified as a major geek in his school years, and he is now a multi-billionaire. I absolutely hate it when people classify others. In reality, if you are considered a geek, you are steering your way to a brighter future.”

Perhaps Gibson is right. After all, where would society be without the so-called geek? The world would be void of television, cell phones, computers and - the teenager’s favorite — iPods.

After pulling his iPod earphones from his ears, Poca junior Josh Jenkins said, “I think you have to have a healthy balance of your studies and a social life at the same time. If this classifies you as a geek, then what’s wrong with that? If you were a complete social recluse and never stopped studying, then there would be a problem.”

Balance is the key word. Education includes more than “book learning.” It also includes socializing and other things that build personal growth. However, during your high school and college years, academics must play the most important part of your educational experience and, at times, must be put ahead of your social and athletic activities.

“I think if you make good grades, you are simply working hard and achieving your goals,” said Winfield sophomore Brittany McComas. “That is what makes you successful.”

Success is different for everyone. Whether you define success as being a good student, the star quarterback, the class clown or all three rolled into one, it is important to be comfortable in your own skin and not let yourself be limited by the preconceived notions of others.