What does it mean when you're put in a gifted class? Going through school you're given this label with many connotations, so what does this title mean?
Myths and Truths:
One of the greatest myths about being gifted is that these students are great at everything they do. I can personally testify for this one and tell you that is entirely wrong. I can't tell you how many times I've been told that I'm perfect at everything-not only is this completely untrue, it places grand expectations on one's shoulders. Personally, I consider my strengths to be writing, critical thinking, and activities where I can totally let my imagination and artistic eye go wild. Now, anyone could tell you I suck at anything that takes athletic ability. Seriously, I feel so sorry for anyone that has ever had gym with me.
Yet another myth is that gifted students will always have good grades. I have personal experience with this one. In many of my subjects I was receiving C's and B's, not because I didn't understand, but because I was bored in class and wasn't applying myself to my work.
I had a neighbor who had to be moved from a school because she wasn't being challenged and engaged in class. "Intelligence without ambition is a bird without wings." Gifted students can't do everything on their own and a teacher's help is what they need to reach their full potential.
Truth? Gifted people have incredible intellectual capability, interest, and/or talent in certain areas. In all of my gifted classes I've seen this time and again; someone that could do calculus in their sleep is sitting next to someone that knows public speaking and marketing like no other. There is not one specific image of what a gifted student is. The idea that all gifted students are brainy is a misconception.
Asynchronous development is a common trait of being gifted. For instance, when I was younger I was definitely more intellectually and physically mature than I was emotionally or socially mature. Sadly, not much has changed. "I don't even consider myself a part of society anymore," was basically my mindset. (The Office references, anyone? Michael Scott FTW.)
Ups and Downs:
Being gifted, certain expectations are forced on you. Your own expectations and external expectations will factor in more than you'd think. The novel It's Kind of a Funny Story is a great display of how these expectations can lead to stress. Some people will take these expectations and make the best of it, pushing themselves, while others may crumble under the weight.
Though it may sound vain, typically when you're gifted, you're recognized as unique and different. You get noticed, and that doesn't exactly hurt one's ego. In my eyes, being gifted, you see the world through a different lens than most. Feeling rare is pretty sweet!
However, that same feeling of being different can make you feel isolated. Ever been in a conversation where people need to have a dictionary by their side in order to keep up? That's not all that fun, and feeling like the Hermione Granger isn't always nice. Dumbing yourself down is often what people resign themselves to in order to feel accepted. A bit of a waste of talent.
All in all, being gifted definitely has its perks. We crazy, innovative, and different ones push the world forward. On that note, I'll leave you guys with the beautiful commercial made by Steve Jobs, my hero.
Goodbye, and Don't Forget To Be Awesome.
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