#fail

The letter C... A bunch of curves that only result in tears. This is mostly because crying starts with the letter C but it's also true because I live in a community where a C, referenced on Glee as your typical "Asian F", is apparently a failure. Except on Glee, the "Asian F" was actually only an A-, but no matter what the grade... an F is an F and no I don't want to discuss the topic of individuality between the letters of the alphabet but I think some people are clearly confusing the letters A, B, and C with the letter F.

The average Joe like myself would scoff at that and wonder: How could they mix that up? All three of the letters consist of curves while an F is hard, jagged, and all edgy. Well... maybe they're taking the whole "edgy" concept to a new level, because some people (like many in my community) are becoming freakishly paranoid about what these letters seem to matter most to them: grades.

For some people, and I must admit- I was one of them, who thought that grades were the most important thing in my school career. But then something my chemistry teacher said sparked my interest... I, as well as many fortunate others at my school, have the opportunity to go to college. Unless you're one of those people that are just naturally smart or you work your butt off to get your straight A's... I'm one hundred percent sure that you don't have to work so hard to get into college. Yes, of course I should try my hardest but no I shouldn't be criticized if my best results end up at a B or a C!

I know many people who feel the same pressure I do and yet... nobody has done anything about it. Sure there are the posters, pamphlets, signs and other propaganda that tells us to not to worry and that there are many ways to deal with this stress but sometimes this isn't enough. Millions of Americans die each year from stress-related complications because too much stress on your mind and body and you are therefore increasing your chance for heart disease, cancer and many other deadly conditions and diseases.

So what's your opinion: over-work our kids, our future generation, to the point of illness and death? or let them relax, clear their mind, actually do better in school and have fun? Yes- studies show that teenagers who relax a little more do better in school and no that doesn't mean better grades: it means their minds and bodies are happier, healthier, and smarter. I think I'm going to try and be that kid from now on- How about you?

Video Cred.: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oaPSNXdyqBE

Interesting Study with NPR: www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6221872