I just finished grading finals for one class. As I did so, I was reminded yet again of why you must determine to me engaged in every day, in every activity. In this class, about 6-7 students decided that they had no reason to do their best on the final. That decision cost them.
See, each had what appeared to be a solid lock on their current grade. So, each did only a little on the exam and ended up with grades ranging from 48-60. A few of them simply chose to not do the final major essay at all (30 points on the final). Well, almost all of them managed to keep their grade, though barely. Here’s the tragedy, though….all of them actually had a shot at a higher grade.
Just doing the simple math would have indicated that an excellent final exam would have put them either at the next grade, or very very close. Of course, they would have to decide if I had proven myself as a person of grace, as a professor who cared for them enough to maybe give them the slight bump to the next grade level. Instead of taking that risk, of trying to do their very best, they simply underperformed.
Never give up striving. If for no other reason than you want the lasting impression of you to be one of shooting for excellence, not simply coasting to a poor final grade. One of my favorite Bible verses says that, as a Christian, I should do all of my work as unto the Lord. Meaning, no matter what I perceive the outcome to be (or how intolerable I may find the boss…or professor), I need to think about my work as if God were my boss. So, as a Christian, one is supposedly claiming to be a disciple of God, if He were my boss (or professor), what should my work ethic be?
Even if you aren’t a Christian, the idea helps. Just think about a mentor or leader that you respect…do your work, no matter where you are, as if that person is the boss. If nothing else, have enough personal respect to give 100%, always shooting towards excellence.