PASS OR FLAIL

(For some reason this didn't post yesterday. So I am trying again. Hopefully this worked.)

I just saw a documentary called Race To Nowhere. It's about school life, but not the kind I write about. It's about the non-fun part– the learning. Don't get me wrong I think learning can be one of the most incredible things on the planet. But from what I saw many of you are doing hours and hours of homework and not retaining much. It's all about getting killer grades for college; the Race To Nowhere. And the pressure is INSANE! One girl was so burned out she had to take a massive step back and reevaluate. While they talked about her new and improved low-key lifestyle they showed a shot of her laying on her bed reading A CLIQUE BOOK– Ha! Take that James Joyce!

Good grades are something to be proud of, don't get me wrong. But it's more important for you to learn how to think, how to solve problems, how to collaborate with others, and how to be creative. Trust me. The school system is just that– a 'system'. It's one way of educating, yet it expects everyone to thrive. That's like saying all graduates in 2011 need to become a world class surgeons, whether they faint at the sight of blood or not. Could you imagine?

I was a HORRIBLE student. Bored, disruptive, distracted, unwilling to follow directions…it goes on. These days I'm sure someone would have tried to diagnose me with ADHD and it's tragic. I don't have a disorder. My brain rocks in some ways and rolls in others. Just like everyone's. I wrote 29 novels in 8 years but ask me to do seventh grade math and I would tear out my highlights.

How many of you think you're "stupid" because you have a hard time in school? Well guess what? You're brilliant. If there was a 'system' geared toward you, the kids getting straight A's would be failing and you'd be captain of the Scholar Ship.

Thankfully, my parents held their ground. Every time a teacher told them I should be going to a different school because I couldn't handle the curriculum mom and dad ignored them. They believed I was smart. They just knew I had my own way of showing it. Instead of making me feel inadequate they helped me develop the things that interested me. I must have seen every musical twice thanks to my mom.  My dad finally gave in and let me go to Emerson College so I could study writing. He had no reason to believe I'd do well but it was the first time I was excited about learning so he took a chance. A very expensive one. And I got my A's. Still, I didn't start believing in myself until I began working at MTV. Suddenly, I was surrounded by creative people who were encouraged to break the mould and challenge the system. And I was good at that. My horrible grades in High School proved it. I found my system!

I'm not suggesting you drop out. All I'm saying is don't give up on yourself. Try to have fun and learn a few things. Be aware of what works for you instead of focusing on what doesn't. Every minute you survive brings you closer to the day you'll thrive. I promise.

SHOUT OUT: To the girl in Race To Nowhere who was reading the Clique. And to your mother. Like my parents, she believes in you more than the system. And that's ah-mazing.

TTYW

XXXX Lisi