In society it is clear that a student is expected to keep up with his/her grades. Students are taught (whether it be through a teacher’s words or an implied message) that keeping the perfect 4.0 is the only way to success.

But is that message the right thing to be sending to teens?

Now don’t get me wrong, grades aren’t something to let slip into oblivion. But should we really be stressing constant A’s? Even if a teacher isn’t explicitly saying it, there’s definitely the underlying message of perfection being completely necessary. Being a teen is a stressful time as is. Trying to  figure out who you are, who your friends are, battling with self confidence…

Throw in nine teachers a day telling you how to do perfect in school, and you’re in for an overload.

My point is one C isn’t going to kill you. Being yourself and trying hard is what will get you far in life. Keep your grades up, but don’t stress over a missed homework or a little less than perfect test grade.

Keep your head high and determine your own success.