Praise God for summer! With the dismissal of the 2019-2020 school year, I'm sure most people are overjoyed. No more homework, deadlines, packed classrooms, or long walks across campusー summertime is here! But what many people love most about summer isn't the warm weather or days at the lake, it's the lack of worry about what they do or don't understand about math, science, or any other school subject. Most schools teach that college isn't for everyone; however, many schools follow this up with actions and encouragements that individuals who do go to college are better than those who don't.
The truth, though, is that there are many kinds of intelligence, and all deserve to be recognized.
I have seen so many of my friends feel hopelessly belittled by their struggles with school subjects all because they feel like they aren't smart otherwise. I want to encourage all readers out there to truly analyze your gifts and be kind to what makes you beautifully enlightened.
Are you a good baker? Do you play a sport? Do you know how to lead people? Are you inclined to understand and care for other people's emotions? All of these traits, and many many more, are examples of persistence and intelligence that has nothing to do with how quickly you can learn calculus or physics.
One of my professors this semester spoke to us about something quite difficult for me to grasp. I wasn't alone in my confusion, for one of my classmates said something along the lines of, "I'm not smart enough to follow along with this discussion". My professor's reply was something I will never forget. In response, he said, "You are smart enough. This just isn't your field of expertise". I certainly don't know anything about football or computers, and that's okay! Malcolm Gladwell in The Tipping Point explains that in 21st Century society, we are lucky to live in such close communities where we don't have to know everything. Chances are someone we know can help us fill in the gaps. What comprises the gaps doesn't matter, so why should we be upset about all the things we don't understand?
My research mentor is one of the best examples of someone who understands intellectual fluidity. As a world-renown plant virologist, he could not be more proud or impressed with his wife who's a talented baker. While it is common to prioritize academic talent, my mentor realizes that both he and his wife are geniuses in their own way. I pray the same will be noticed soon by all. Enough egos have been hurt by unfounded hierarchies of what is and isn't acceptable for an impressed society.
What's your genius?
