Remarkable Students: Impressive Moments in Academic Excellence
Reflecting on my years as a professor, I've been fortunate to encounter many talented and exceptional students. However, a few stand out in particular for their unique impact and remarkable achievements. Here, I will share stories about some of the most impressive students I've known, highlighting their dedication and the lessons they taught me.
A Unique and Conspicuous Student: Rollergirl
One incident that stands out occurred way back in the early 1980s when I was teaching at one of the top three technical universities in the United States. The movie Boogie Nights features a memorable character named Rollergirl, a tall, beautiful figure skating on roller skates, which perfectly captures the image of the student who once graced my classroom. One day, this intriguing individual, dressed scantily clad, wheeled into my lecture room, sat front and center, and began to take part in the course work with admirable enthusiasm.
But it was the subsequent revelation that made this experience truly memorable. Despite excelling in all aspects of the course, this student was not enrolled in the class. Upon my inquisitive inquiry, she revealed that she was already proficient and had no need for the credits. Nevertheless, she maintained a steady performance, often scoring at the top of the class.
A Proactive and Helpful Student: The Dean
Another instance that comes to mind is from my first day as a dean at a Florida university. The situation was tumultuous for students who were either unregistered or misregistered for courses. Enter a student who not only did not need the credits but also stepped in to support the overwhelmed staff. By rolling up his sleeves, he significantly alleviated the chaos and reassured everyone that everything would be under control.
This student's proactive approach and reassuring demeanor made a lasting impression, demonstrating not just academic prowess but a keen sense of responsibility and leadership.
A Dedicated and Resilient Student: The Asian Ancestry Pharmacy Candidate
As an educator, I have faced the challenge of preparing students for college-level work. One of the students who truly exemplified dedication and resilience was a young man of Asian ancestry I taught during an anatomy course for pre-health care students. This course, with its complex neuroanatomy segment and associated tests, required diligent practice and preparation. To keep track of their progress, I offered a daily quiz system where the top ten quiz scores would be used in lieu of their lowest test score, especially for neuroanatomy.
Despite the rigorous nature of the course, this particular student consistently performed well, with a quiz score of 93 out of 100. This impressive score allowed him to replace a 92 on the neuroanatomy exam, ensuring his overall performance remained strong. Additionally, his dedication was evident in consistent scores on mid-term and final exams, as well as lab tests and the lab final.
This student's remarkable dedication and academic success, particularly in a challenging subject like neuroanatomy, set him apart. His exemplary work and commitment were strong enough to support his application for admission to a medical school. This experience reinforced my belief that effort and determination make all the difference in academic success.
The Declining Academic Standards
While these stories highlight the exceptional students encountered, it's worth noting a broader issue: the decline in academic preparedness among high school graduates entering college. Students today often lack basic study skills and the habit of advanced preparation. A lecture in any course loses its full impact if the student has failed to read the assigned material in advance, leading to confusion and lack of understanding. I too frequently found students in a "deer in the headlights" state, meaning they had not prepared in advance, despite the syllabus stress the importance of such preparation.
Education is a journey that begins in high school and continues throughout one's academic career. While some students like Rollergirl, the Dean, and the Asian ancestry student demonstrated exceptional dedication and resilience, others struggled with basic academic expectations. It's crucial for both educators and students to recognize the value of preparation and hard work in achieving educational goals.