6th grade science class — what a time to be alive. I remember 6th grade science better than any other year of science class, mostly due to the teacher’s engagement. She was funny, quirky, and knew how to relate science to 12 year-olds.
In this particular class, I felt like a rock-star. It felt like every class I was coming up with great answers to scientific questions and was often making an impression on the teacher.
My understanding of protons, neutrons, and electrons felt unmatched. The function of the nucleus of a cell, the mitochondria, all of it. I was shouting scientific happenings like it was my job—and she was often validating my confidence.
Control groups vs. experimental, condensation build up on coke cans, the planets and their relation to the sun—I honestly felt like I had to be the smartest kid in science class this side of the county.
And then came the award ceremony at the end of the school year. When I attended, I was sure I would be rewarded with some sort of certificate for all the call-outs I managed in science class.
I watched as names were called for various achievements. I never heard mine. It turns out I was not the smartest science kid in the county. I wasn’t even the smartest of my own class.
I felt a little betrayed by the teacher. I felt like I was led to believe I had some innate ability and there was no reward for my consistency in relating to the content every day.
Hello humility. We meet again.
It hurts more running into a humble moment while in middle school. Especially when you feel invincible. Like you’re good at everything—maybe the best, even.
This seems to happen a lot in life. We believe we’re at a certain level and we’re woefully wrong. The same goes for the opposite too.
Sometimes we believe we aren’t good enough, smart enough, or have the emotional bandwidth to handle things, until we’re there, facing the giant. And then it’s go-time and we find out what we’re made of.
For better or worse there are lessons to be learned.
As for the lesson learned by me? Don’t rest on how smart you think you are. Don’t rest on your ability. Thinking you’re clever breeds a mentality of accomplishment, rather than a hunger to be better.
I realized at age 12 that I’m not the smartest science kid. But I didn’t know my misjudgment would be teaching myself something 20+ years later. Thanks for not being the best, kid.
Peace has cost you your strength. Victory has defeated you!
-Bane to Batman (Dark Knight Rises, 2012)
Whoa - where was this 30 years ago? So applicable to the work place, as well as the classroom.