Topic - Valedictorians

Think that the kid who finished first in high school finished in the money? Nope. Listen to this. Of the ninety-five percent of valedictorians who went to college, their grade point average was three point six and only sixty percent got a graduate degree. Well into their careers, ninety percent were working in a profession, but only forty percent had high level jobs and were earning a substantial income. What does this tell us? It tells us that the behaviors that make you a successful student may not be a match for changing the world or making a million bucks. Academic grades don’t measure intelligence as much as they measure self-discipline, conscientiousness and following the rules. The real world of work requires passion and a personal definition of success. When you’re in school, you’re a generalist who knows a little about a lot. In the workplace, you’re a specialist and that makes all the difference. Encourage kids to follow their dream.