Students with drive to succeed will do so

Your Nov. 13 article, titled “Public education in Illinois barely earns a passing grade,” brought up an issue that directly affects students in Illinois and, frankly, the future success of our state. While the statement was made that students are not ready for success, based on Illinois’ C- grade average, the success of students is in their own hands. In order to make the most of one’s granted education, hard work, drive and self-determination are essential — and not all students attain these skills.

There are countless Illinois students who genuinely care about their future and work to earn good grades and achieve high goals. Getting into a highly competitive college these days is harder than ever. Seemingly, the perfect student isn’t simply the one with straight A’s, extracurricular activities and community service, but all of the above plus a one-of-a-kind trait. Perhaps an astonishing childhood struggle of being of a different ethnicity could get an individual into the school of his or her dreams. Also, the increasing number of honors and Advanced Placement courses makes it more difficult to succeed than in years past. Nevertheless, students manage to rise out of the rubble and become successful.

Clearly, today’s students aren’t as dumb as portrayed.

Maddie Lupori

Glen Ellyn