Feeling Inadequate Despite High High School Graduation Scores
Many students are experiencing feelings of inadequacy and disappointment despite achieving high scores on their high school graduation exams. Even a score of 27 points, which is considered very good, can feel insignificant. This phenomenon is exacerbated by constant exposure to media coverage. Opening social media, turning on the television, or browsing news websites reveals a flood of stories about top-scoring students, often referred to as ' thủ khoa' (meaning valedictorian or top scorer). These reports frequently highlight individuals who have achieved near-perfect scores, such as 29 or even 30 points. The relentless focus on these exceptional achievements creates a distorted perception of academic success, making students with excellent but not top-tier scores feel like failures. This intense pressure and comparison can negatively impact students' self-esteem and mental well-being as they transition to higher education or future careers.
The pervasive media focus on exceptional academic outliers, such as students achieving perfect or near-perfect scores on standardized tests, can create significant psychological pressure on the broader student population. This narrative structure, while celebrating top achievers, may inadvertently foster a culture of comparison and inadequacy among students who perform well but do not reach these extreme benchmarks. From a systemic perspective, educational institutions and media outlets could consider diversifying the narratives around academic success to include a wider range of achievements and pathways. Promoting a more inclusive definition of success, one that values effort, improvement, and diverse talents, could mitigate the negative impacts on student mental health and self-perception in the long term. This approach aligns with fostering resilience and a growth mindset, crucial attributes for navigating future challenges in an increasingly competitive global landscape.
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