- PRIDE: We are not underachievers!

• Talking about removing the word “underachiever”

Student 1

I don’t like this title …this word "underachiever"

Student 2

You sound upset with this word. What is going on?

Student 1

I don't see myself as an 'underachiever'. In Canada, we can have another meaning for this word. I don't want people to think I don't try my best. I'm an excellent mother and now my children have grown up, I am here finishing high school. I have worked hard to perform as well as I can.

Student 2

I get the idea of using the word "underachiever" from a Simpsons cartoon, the idea of being clever. What I am saying is that people rebel against the system.

Student 1

Let me finish please... I worked hard to fulfill the expectations of my family boss and teachers. I like that the school has high expectations of me, it shows they think I can do better.

Student 2

I see. The word 'Underachiever' would group us with people who don't try hard enough as family members, friends, employees, students. You told me I am having English difficulties, let us look up the word in the dictionary.

Student 1

Yes…let us look up. I am not underachiever. When I do things I do well because I try hard…um…Well, I know what you mean but it is too hard to accept that I was excluded because of the way I learn (right brain). I prefer to believe I was just too busy rising my kids. Now I am coming back and I will be ok.

Student 2(opening the dictionary)

I will see the etymology of the word later but I think I get your point, let me read the word in here

Underachiever: somebody who under performs: somebody who or something that performs less well than might be expected, especially a student whose academic results are poor, given his or her intelligence and aptitude.

Underachiever: A student who does not perform as well as the IQ indicates.

Main Page(Introduction)
Dialogues&Stories (Life, School, Classroom)

- PRIDE: We know how to be successful

In a storm, some students went outside to enjoy the rain...

and later:
... one of the soaked students made a speech about smart choices while another laughed out load!

• Proud of my accomplishments but tired of not being a killer
  

Student 1
‘Learning to be more successful’ might be what some students expect, but I already know how to be successful, just because I didn't graduate at the same time as the others doesn’t mean I don't know how to be successful. I don’t need to learn, I can teach how to be successful. I love myself plenty!

Student 2
Yeah, exactly. I have friends, I took care of my kids all by myself after the sudden death of my husband, they grew up to be nice kids and here I am…getting my diploma so I will earn more…and I will not stop. I think about college. It is just a different pace, it happens.

Student 3
You said you want to learn to be a KILLER. I want to understand how you see this matter. Do you mean "more risk taking"?

Student 4
I don't want to be more risk taking. My problem is that I am risk taking. Killer is killer... it was annoying that people freaked out with this word!...After Columbine, there are words which students are supposed to avoid…Yes, they will do anything to keep it safe: Shut up!

Student 3
Ah…but what did you mean with the k word (laugh)...er...did you mean success?

Student 4
Hello! Being a killer doesn’t mean being a success; I mean what is success anyways?

Student 3
What do you mean?

Student 2
Killer...he means more goal oriented, goal related to business, career.

Student 5
It’s what happens to me! I am successful in other parts of life…but then I am too busy to think about studying (laugh)

Main Page(Introduction)
Dialogues&Stories (Life, School, Classroom)