In order to pass a high school class and receive a diploma requires a minimal effort. The standard passing grade to get out of a high school is at least a D in each of your classes.

Students are faced with this challenge in each class: pass, give a mediocre effort, and get out of high school or in order to overachieve, give their education purpose and all they have, using the resources they have to their advantage.

As our peers journey their way through high school, the top overachieving students typically weed themselves out from the rest. Those few students made up their minds to accept the challenge from the beginning and shoot for something higher that a passing grade. They have chosen to become learners rather than just a product of the educational system.

The battle between student as learner or product carries itself over into the real world. The habits and choices made in high school regarding effort and education are likely to continue once those students have jobs and responsibilities. If one student shoots to pass, never doing anything above what is expected of them, why would they change their ways in the real world. Where is the incentive?

For some students, motivation is found in the background of their role models. One may find that their parent or guardian did not ever commit themselves to giving a full effort in education. Therefore they strive to be better and overachieve due to the longing for more success than their parental figure.

Others have the exact opposite. Their parents were the top students of their class. The children of those parents are tired of living in the shadow of their parents or they want to be just like them, resulting in high test scores and achievement.

In most cases parental involvement plays a major role in the success of a student. According to the Inclusive Schools Network, parental involvement is vital to the well-being of a students education. They cite a study done by the National Parent Teacher Association (PTA) that states when parents are connected to a students education they are more likely to earn higher grades and test scores, enroll in higher level courses, attend school regularly, and behave better in class.

The battle between student as learner or product carries itself over into the real world. The habits and choices made in high school regarding effort and education are likely to continue once those students have jobs and responsibilities. If one student shoots to pass, never doing anything above what is expected of them, why would they change their ways in the real world. Where is the incentive? — The Feather Staff

Some believe that the teachers play a bigger part in the success of students’ education than parents. According to Educational Consultant John McCarthy, learning starts with teachers. He believes that many times the authoritative tone that teachers use can have a negative impact on the students causing them to mentally check out. Instead of directing the students, they should be including them in the decision making process.

One reason students are not attempting to achieve high levels of success in high school is because of what they plan to do after the four years. Many students are now turning to schools like ITT Tech, Devry, and University of Phoenix. These ‘diploma mill’ schools do not have as high expectations for their students. The goal is to come in, get out, and go get a job.

Though not in all scenarios, community colleges also provide an alternative for students who are not willingly to give high school their full effort. According to CollegeBoard, most community colleges are open enrollment. This means simply obtaining a high school diploma meets the requirements for eligibility. Many community colleges however, do require entrance or placement exams but these are not as rigorous compared to the standards of a four-year university.

When options like these community colleges and diploma mills are easily accessible, it may be hard to see why one would not just shoot for the “good enough” standard. When faced with this thought, keep in mind the job opportunities. According to The New York Times, 96% of business owners said that they prefer to have workers with traditional degrees rather than virtual ones.

One can also find motivation to take ownership of their education in the Bible. In Colossians 3:23, Paul writes “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” As a Christian, one can use this as a reason to pursue excellence using all of their ability. It is a way to honor their Lord.

Whether one plans to become a neurosurgeon, truck driver, or professional athlete, the habits created in school will having an eternal effect on their work ethic. Striving to pass and just get by will not result in the same kind of success. In the words of Colin Powell, “A dream doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work.”

Information for this article was used from the Inclusive Schools Network, Edutopia, and The New York Times.

For another editorial read, Editorial: Graduation brings closing chapter, new beginnings.