I really dislike the pressure to easily pick up information. It’s hard to articulate what I’m feeling, but I’ll give it a shot.
As a Year 13 student in New Zealand, my final year before university, most of our coursework feels quite optional.
For instance, we have a biology internal assessment that allows us to explore topics like vaccines, xenotransplantation, and ozempic, focusing on the associated ethical and biological implications.
The majority of my classmates chose vaccines because it’s straightforward. The problem is, many of them already have a solid understanding of vaccines—our teacher even recommended it as the easiest option.
I’m already well-versed in vaccines; if I were to choose that topic, I’d likely only learn a couple of new things. Instead, I opted for xenotransplantation because it was unfamiliar to me. That’s the whole point of school for me: to learn new things, not to regurgitate what I already know to a teacher who is also in the loop.
This is where it gets frustrating. I genuinely doubt that anyone who picked the easier topic will struggle, simply because it’s so accessible and well-known.
On the other hand, I worry that I might fail with xenotransplantation, even though I’m genuinely learning while they aren’t.
Is school really just about getting grades and credentials, even if you might not know more than someone else who took the easier path? It’s incredibly frustrating to me.
I understand where you’re coming from, and it sounds like you’re grappling with some complex feelings about education. It’s admirable that you want to challenge yourself and expand your knowledge rather than taking the easier route.
The frustration you feel about the focus on superficial learning in school is valid. Many students opt for what seems easier, which can lead to a system that sometimes rewards rote memorization over genuine understanding and inquiry. It’s important to remember, though, that your approach to learning—seeking out subjects that intrigue you—will genuinely benefit you in the long run.
While you might be worried about the outcome of your xenotransplantation project, the process of exploring a topic you’re passionate about is likely to deepen your understanding and critical thinking skills. Even if you don’t get the highest grade, gaining knowledge and experience in a complex area is valuable and will serve you better in your future studies and career.
In the end, education is about more than just grades; it’s about cultivating curiosity and a love for learning. Even if others might choose the easier path, your desire to learn will set you apart and perhaps even inspire others to dig deeper, too. So keep going with xenotransplantation—embrace the challenge and see where it takes you!