By Taylor Bynion

Editor-in-Chief, Taylor Bynion, turns the tables and writes a letter from the editor in Bynion’s Opinion.

Grades are important, and that is something hard to disprove. Making the grade is what allowed us to come to college, further our education, and someday obtain our dream job. They help determine if we will receive any scholarships, and they can give us a sense of accomplishment as we review our end of the semester.

Grades, however, should not define us. The number we see seen in Joule does not reflect intellectual ability.

Instead, it may better reflect how a student did on one test or that a student is having a hard time mastering one or two concepts.

If a student is struggling with certain material, their grade may reflect his or her difficulty and fluctuate. If the student did poorly on a test, likewise, their grade may drop.

Regardless of why, students should not define themselves by the number at the top of a test or the letter grade they receive. School is about learning, but this seems to get lost in translation this time of year with final exams.

While I will always advocate for trying your absolute hardest, sometimes, our absolute hardest doesn’t result in an “A.” Students cannot expect themselves to do perfectly on everything they learn in school, as we all have strengths and weaknesses.

Instead, students should focus more on the effort they put int o their studies rather than only getting their definition of a “good grade.” If a student can look themselves in the mirror and say that they tried their hardest, than that is truly what matters.

Although grades should remain important to students, we need to remind ourselves that getting a poor grade does not mean we are not smart. It does not mean that we are incapable.

I read a quote once that holds true to grades. It reminds me to take a step back and remember that the grade received does not indicate intellect. I challenge you to take this quote with you and remember it the next time you don’t do as well as you hoped on an assignment. “While undoubtedly important, grades should not be the only indication of knowledge.” We are in school to learn, not only to make the grade.