Student X vs. Student Y Student X Student X’s passion is for her to graduate with a perfect GPA. For each assignment or test, she is motivated by her desire to get an A on it. When she is assigned an essay, for instance, her purpose for writing it is to get an A on it. She is never satisfied with a B. Her conduct in school is exemplary because she knows misbehavior would jeopardize her goal. Most teachers see her as a model student. The pride she takes in herself is based on the grades on her report cards.

Student X vs. Student Y Student Y Student Y’s passion is to acquire as much knowledge and as many skills as she can. She tries to get the most out of each assignment. When she has to write an essay, she is motivated by trying to produce a high quality essay, and she is never satisfied when she fails to produce one. She sees her grades simply as feedback on the quality of the work she does rather than the reason for doing the work. Her conduct is pretty good, but she rubs some teachers the wrong way when she expresses a viewpoint different from them in class discussions. Other teachers admire her confidence and individuality. The pride she takes in herself is based on her hard work and her belief that she has her priorities straight.

Questions to Consider Who is more likely to have a higher G.P.A. when she graduates? Who will learn more? Is Student Y likely to have a high G.P.A.? Who will have better teacher recommendations? Who will be better prepared for college? Who will be better prepared for life?

After both students have graduated from college… Who would you rather have as your lawyer? Who would you rather have as your doctor? Who would you rather have representing you in congress? Who would you rather have handling your income tax returns? Who would you rather have designing your home? Who would you rather have teaching your children? Who would you rather be? What do you plan to do about it?