College Forum Post: Gregory Baer

High School of American Studies class of 2020

Macaulay Honors at Hunter College class of 2024

Failure is Ok 

English, US History, World History, Algebra, Biology, Health, and Research. Those were the classes that made up my schedule during my freshman year of high school. 

There will always be one or two classes that you are not as strong in, compared to the rest of your classes. For me, my weakest class was Biology. This class was not AP Biology, it was just plain ordinary biology. Biology did not seem as overwhelming as World History, well at least to me. I enjoyed learning about all the different systems in the body and their specific functions, especially when it came to discussing how they all worked to keep me alive. I actually found Biology to be interesting, but there was just something that never really clicked for me.

The workload as a freshman would not be considered overwhelming, but the transition into high school was not something middle school prepared me for. Regardless, everything seemed to be going alright for me in Biology. In terms of assignments, the quizzes and labs were tedious but still manageable. I would say that I was not an outstanding student in this class, but I held my own, and considered myself to be at least above average. Or at least I thought so. 

That is until I failed the midterm. This was the first test that I had failed in my high school career, and it was a feeling that was unknown to me. It was disappointing. I was disappointed. The feeling of getting the test back and seeing everyone else was just comparing their scores, and all I could say was, “I did fine, but could have done better.” This test was a real wake up call, and would be evident in my new grade for the class. 

But failure is OK. There is nothing wrong with that. Yes, moments like this will suck, but it'll get better. Now when looking back at it, I can say confidently that it made me a better student. I had to just keep telling myself the failure was not permanent, and would have to accept it, and learn from it.

After this failure I was in a slump when it came to Biology, but I had to remember that I could get a better grade in the class. I knew what I was capable of it and so did the teacher. The teacher could see that I was trying and all, but I still was not getting the grades that I should be. 

The reason for my lack of improvement: I should have taken advantage of the possibilities to get help such as tutoring and review sessions in order to succeed in the class. I let my pride and ego get in the way of seeking out these amazing resources that could have helped improve my grades. It is never bad to ask for help and seek assistance, especially if the teacher is welcoming and encouraging for you to do so. You just have to be willing to take the first initiative to do so. However, at the time I did not understand how to since I never had performed so bad on a test or in a class. Looking back I should have just done it instead of being so passive. 

Even if you do not feel comfortable going to a teacher there are other options too, that are less intimidating. There are classmates and friends to ask and even make new relationships with. Some of my classmates from that class who helped answer some of my questions are some of my close friends to this day. But it still does not beat going to the person who is going to be testing you, the teacher. 

As freshman year progressed, this experience taught me that I should always try to complete my homework assignment on time and do a good job. Those are just free points to add onto my grade. I have complete control over the amount of effort and quality I put into them. And when it comes to projects and class participation the same thing applies. Yet, it should also be reiterated that the time and effort that goes into studying follows the same idea. All things considered, I ended up doing ok in the class, earning a final grade of a B+.  Just remember, there will be moments in your academic careers that we wish our grades were better but do not let you drag you down, that's just part of being a student. You are supposed to be challenged, just see what you can take away and learn from each mistake or failure.