For most high school students, the next level of education is college/university. When I was younger, I always thought that to get into a good school, I have to maintain my grades above an A-. I had little knowledge on standardized tests such as SATs and ACTs, and the actual college application process. As I entered high school, I realized that colleges want someone who is well-rounded—someone who excels in many different aspects of one’s life. Suddenly, grades were no longer as important. Colleges want us, want me, to have a enjoyable high school experience, in which I can show my personal growth. I began to join clubs such as student council, World Scholars, Model United Nations, and our school newspaper (KASPER). This realization of my misunderstanding broaden my perspective on not only my future but also my life now.
A simple misunderstanding can lead to major impact on one’s life. For example, if I did not correct my misunderstanding, I would have placed more energy on getting grades rather than giving myself space to grow. The consequences of misunderstanding can be seen in The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot.
When Deborah told Skloot not to include a specific word in the book, Skloot said she would not and smiled.
“‘I won’t,’ I said, and then I made a mistake. I smiled. Not because I thought it was funny, but because I thought it was sweet that she was protective of her sister” (283).
Deborah must have thought that Skloot was smiling to cover up a lie.
“‘You’re lying,’ Deborah yelled, flipping off my tape recorder and clenching her fists” (283).
Deborah was extremely angry as she has trust issues due to past conflicts with White doctors of Johns Hopkins.
“‘Who sent you? Who’s paying you?’ she yelled, her hand still holding me against the wall. ‘Who paid for this room?’ (283).
This situation turned violent as Deborah pushed Skloot against the wall. It was after explaining everything, Deborah understood why Skloot was smiling and both sides forgave each other.
Citation
- Skloot, Rebecca. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. New York, Random House, 2010.
Hi Allison,
It’s interesting how you connected your personal misunderstandings of race to Deborah’s interpretation of Skloot’s words because due to Deborah’s lack of education, she has been taken advantage of several times. No one has ever tried to explain to her the details of cell biology or lawsuits or how the system worked, so I feel that she is being very cautious with who she trusts as to not be in that same position again. I think this plays into the authority that one holds. Technically, although Deborah had more control of the relationship as Skloot didn’t want to overstep boundaries, Deborah felt as if Skloot had an advantage over her because of education. However, just as how the misunderstanding eventually helped you to broaden your horizons, that’s what they did for each other as well. Deborah and the Lacks family introduced Skloot to a word of spirituality and belief even when there’s nothing to believe in (Henrietta being gone and being screwed over by reporters before). Skloot introduces Deborah to discovery and peace as she finally finds out what happened to her mother and sister. Do you think that the power dynamics between the pair was beneficial?
Paula
Hi Allison!
I totally relate to your eternal struggle! As your classmate, a fellow highschool student, it feels like there is so much on the line all the time, that we have to be perfect. The wanting of perfection, in most cases, leads to imperfection. Like my wanting to get a respectable grade in math but then failing miserably. It almost feels like that because we are expected of so much, we sometimes forget who we even are! Are we even people, or are we just soulless robots checking every assignment off our to-do list? We all need space to grow, and what we need right now, is to find the perfect balance. Have you found your balance?
Happy Blogging!
Kayla
Hi Allison,
I can really connect to what you said about misunderstanding how high school should actually work and how parents think how high school should work. I was trying to find my interests outside of school time, and I do believe I found them. But I am still working on finding the balance between interests and school. How about you?