2 - What Really Matters?

“What are the factors which are related to academic success in high school students?”

They say that education is the most important gift our parents can give to us. Without a doubt, it is. It can be the deciding point of whether or not we will achieve a rewarding and happy life. You will not be able to get a proper high-paying job without a college degree. Before you get accepted to your dream college or university, you will have to graduate from high school with passing grades.

 I too went to high school and I know exactly how hard it is compared to elementary. High school is the point where a student must learn to be independent.  This is the time where your parents can’t tutor you anymore nor can they hire someone else to do it. This is also the time where you yourselves are held responsible for every action and decisions that you will make. Despite all this, we, students, are still expected to be successful in our academic studies. So, what are the factors that affects a high school student’s academic success? For me, the most important factors are Family, Environment and Self-Discipline.

Our families, especially the parents, are the main people who affect our performance as a student. They are the ones who support and send us to school. But not every parent has the capabilities to do so. Financial problem is the most common reason for this. Some students have to depend on scholarships in order to get into a good school while others have to put up with public schools. Because of the lack of money, the students' capabilities are being hindered. Thus, limiting them to excel. There are also those  who have to deal with family problems. Not everyone is lucky or blessed to have a complete family. Some grew up with a single parent and some grew up with no parents at all. Others grew up with an abusive parent. These greatly affect a student emotionally and psychologically.  Too much of this burden may lead to a rebellious child and might result to dropping out of school. Without proper guidance from parents and family, a child may not be able to perform well and achieve success at school.

Environment also plays a big part in a student's success. Every person has a different style of studying. Some can study in a quiet place while others are all right with a noisy place. A student’s own preference helps him or her to focus more. Friends and classmate are also a part of the environment. Being with friends who has a lot of vices will never encourage you to do better at school. That’s why we always have to choose who we surround ourselves with. A right environment and good influences can boost a student’s performance.

The last factor which is self-discipline is the most important of all.  If a student does not desire an excellent performance, then he or she will probably be satisfied with a barely passing grade. A student with self-discipline will definitely achieve success. This kind of student does his or her assignment and projects before hanging out with their friends. They know their priorities well and they act according to it. Even if a student receives a proper support from  his or her families and has the right environment, he or she will not be successful without self-discipline.

Of course, some  might say, “ What if I’m just plain stupid?”. I think nobody is born stupid. If you really want to excel, then you’ll have to study a lot. You don’t have to be intelligent to success. A little bit of effort and hard work is enough. Our choice to be successful is always in our hands.  

In conclusion, a student’s success can be affected by a lot of factors. These factors are just some steps in achieving academic success. In the end, what really matters is his or her desire. The desire to study and to succeed. Studying without your heart in it will not make you successful. It’s not just some game where grades are scores that will determine if we succeed or not.