What’s the Difference Between “F” and “A” College Students?
A Rant by Stanley Kaminski (written 2009, updated 03-30-11)
As of this writing, I have been teaching college students for 19 years. Over that time I have worked with many
students who have returned to college in their late 20’s to mid 30’s after having “failed out” at age 19 or 20 because of a lack
of involvement. This group is mostly men. Most of these students perform very well and make “A” grades in all their classes
once they return to college. It is remarkable how often they say that the difference (between the old “F” student they were and
the new “A” student they have become) is small. A slight bit more time and effort combined with a higher tier of involvement
and responsibility is what it takes. I, too, had some difficulty my freshman year of college. Maturity, involvement with the
courses, and a “love of learning” count for a heckuva lot – even more than “smartness”. Many young students think they have
to “fake it” to get through college… NOT TRUE. You can develop and learn if you are involved in your classes. Education
can’t be faked. Some students tell me they kick themselves for “sitting in a classroom in their 30’s – learning stuff they
should’ve learned when they were 18.” One 35 year old student told me he came back to finish his degree mostly because he
“wasn’t getting enough play with the ladies”. He described the disappointment on his dates’ faces when he admitted to not
having a college degree. (For clarity, I must admit I do not think a college degree is necessary for many people. Many
occupations don’t need a degree (horse trainers, canoe guides, entrepreneurs, etc.). Follow your interests first. If a degree is
needed, fine. If not, that’s fine too and if your date doesn’t approve, dump her – or him. That 35 year old student told me that
his new success “really isn’t any harder than when I was 18 and failing out”.
I have had several students who have failed out of my courses, then come back years later to ace the same class.
Here is an email exchange from one such student in 2009. Let’s call him John Doe. He’s about 30. In 2009, he earned a
business degree (Accounting) at the University of Houston. He failed one of my classes in 2000, underwent a period of
transformation, and then aced the same class in 2005. My recommendation letters (which he earned with his outstanding
involvement, learning and efforts in my class the second time around) helped him get into the business school and also
helped him get into a selective travel abroad program with his accounting program at UH.
Hi JOHN DOE,
Thanks again for the gift from DELETED... it is in a prominent place in our home... It feels great to have a job where I can see
people like you develop like you have... I am very proud of you...
can I please ask you:
1: I saw you transform yourself from a D/F student to a “straight A” student. What made you change your approach to
college? How did you "see the light"? (I could see you transformed into a totally different "vibe")
2. How much more work and effort did it take to be a “straight A" student, as compared to before?
-Stan
Stan,
No thanks necessary for the gift, I am just glad that you liked the gift! You are a great Professor, and the best part about your
teaching techniques was that you made the class fun and interesting! To answer your questions, I think that before was I was
in your class I didn't really take school to seriously because I was young, and just wanted to have more fun than focusing on
my priorities. Also, I think I later after really thinking about it that I realized without an education I wouldn't really be able to do
much with my life, and I wanted to more than just get by. I think also, having a good support system from family and friends
definitely helped me a lot as well. To be honest, being an A student is not as hard as some people may make it out to be. Not
to sound conceited or anything, but I noticed that all it takes is to stay focused on what needs to be done, and to make sure
that you allow yourself enough time to complete the work, rather than doing like I did before and waited until the last minute
to do homework or study. In addition, just keeping up with the assigned work, sustaining a good pace of getting pace of
getting your work done, because everyone is different, but once I found my niche, I did much better. Hope I answered your
questions, it was nice visiting with you and I will keep in touch. –JOHN DOE
BE INVOLVED WITH YOUR CLASSES NOW! Be mature, dedicated, involved, curious,
patient, and responsible. You can get that way one step at a time. Persevere. Learn as you go.
Have a “love of learning” and a “love of improving” and a “learning is a fun adventure” attitude.
There ARE NO DRESS REHEARSALS. THIS IS YOUR TIME. So do it right and do it now. Chances
are, you are doing better than the young John Doe, so if he can succeed, you can RISE even
higher. You can dooooooooo IT.
The Lesson: