Rebecca Skloot…The Grade Is Not Success

Most college students are under the impression that an impeccable academic background is equivalent to gaining success. However, this is clearly not so. After attending an enlightening session with Rebecca Skloot, author of The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, it became obvious that she is the living, breathing example of this fact. Skloot informed her audience of her misconduct throughout school, from refusing to take naps in daycare to inventing her own assignments in high school. She explained how she never was the “A+” student who excelled in school and was the natural prodigy of writing. According to Skloot, it was a surprise to all.

Her lack of focus in school was mainly due to her overenthusiasm which caused frequent boredom with the routine assignments of school. This is true of a lot of students. Typically, we take on and master more challenging and interesting assignments because we want to do them and because we are excited for them. Don’t feel bad or stress out if you do poorly on those humdrum assignments. The truth is this: what will really take you far in life is a strong determination and a passion. Skloot embodies this. It was her interest in science which led her to the untold tale of Henrietta Lacks, and it was her determination to finish the tale which led her to a best-selling novel. She endured a change of major and career, and a decade long research investigation in order to realize this success.

It isn’t easy, and at times even Skloot admitted she wanted to give up. However, as long as you keep your goal in sight and surround yourself with people who will support and push you, you can achieve anything. The moral of this story is to not be focused on the grade and the test and the transcript. Take care, these things are important, but more importantly, do not lose sight of what is really important: passion. Find something that would drive you to devote a decade of your life to it, and follow it wherever it takes you. As Skloot shows, it is not always the clear cut academic success that translates to real world success. Realize your passion and focus on it, and it will take you where you need to go.