Today was the day that we first got to see WonderGirl's SAT scores. They are pretty good scores for someone who did zero--and I truly mean ZERO--preparation. For somebody who worked 25 hours at the nursing home the week that she took the test, then went back into work the afternoon after the test. For somebody who had a traumatic breakup the night before the test.
She did better than me, 30 years ago. I got accepted to every school to which I applied. Don't be too impressed. I only applied to the state schools that were required to accept me at a full-ride (because of my high school class rank). See, back in the day, if you were the top...ahem... of your class, all state supported schools offered you a spot, courtesy of the tax payers of the fine state of Indiana. Still, my scores, although not top-notch, were good enough to get me a fairly sought-after scholarship and "freshman fellowship" at the top school of my choice. But mostly because I was able to bull-sh*t my way through an interview with the Dean. Oh, and was really poor. That helped.
It's so much more complicated for the WonderGirl. Her scores, though really good on paper, are probably not high enough to get her into the state university to which my tax dollars go. (Which she does not give two hoots about, anyway, but I would like her to have a university-shaped Plan B.)
When looking up her scores and how they compare to students who are accepted at her schools of choice (all of which have the word "art" or "design" in their names), every time a person clicks on one of the little boxes, a reminder pops up that says, in bold letters, "You are more than your numbers." I suppose that is some consolation to the kids (or parents thereof) whose scores are a disappointment, but I wonder how those kids in the highest ranges feel about that.
I wonder if adults can really wrap their heads around that idea, much less anxious teenagers poised on the edge of the rest of their lives. How much time do I waste worrying about "the numbers"? For today I will try to see if I can remember that I am more than the numbers.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
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3 comments:
Cheese, there are no words, let alone numbers that can come close to capturing your fabulousness. And your grace. And your generous soul.
Just sayin'...
As Wondergirl begins to seek out her vocation and find her way in the world, she has a great family to back her up. That alone gives her an edge.
I'm with Sue.
I'm delighted Wondergirl did well on her score. Not surprised, either.
Thank you for thinking through the "we are more than numbers" thingie with us. I forget this often.
LYMI
Double ditto Sue for you, your wonderfulness!
Numbers are for some, not for all.
Walt Disney never took a SAT,
and many years in the future, Jeffrey Katzenberg ended up 3rd in command at Disney and now running Dreamworks, and he never finished college.
I believe it's the relentless pursuit of what you really want to do that creates your career.
Wondergirl's got all that plus numbers! Big part due to you.
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