Time Theft Nation

Do “C Students” Rule the World? — Maybe They Should.

By Scotty McCarville

We have all heard the phrase “it is not what you know but who you know.” In fact, my own father likes to think that “C students rule the world”. Many traditionalists will turn their head at this notion and say, “forget about it” (I don’t know why this just turned into “Goodfellas”, but you are welcome Ray Liotta). These people tend to believe that “A students rule the world”. We all know a few people, if we are not in either of these categories ourselves, from our past, or maybe our present that fall into one of these categories.

Allow me to break it down further:

The typical profile of your “A student”:

• Ivy League (or close to it) graduate – or maybe the head of the class at the state university as some of your classic A students weigh the cost/benefit analysis of their higher education decision
• Come back from class and study while sprinkling in some resume building extracurricular activities
• Major in mechanical engineering, physics, or macroeconomic theory
• Plan every detail of their day, week, month, and year
• Allow themselves to enjoy the simpler things in life on rare occasion

The typical profile of your “C student”:

• 75-80% of their higher education consideration is based strictly on quality of life, access to social opportunities (party and bar scene), and of course the level of attractiveness of the opposite sex according to the current student population
• Class is optional (a cost/benefit analysis predicated on social endeavors)
• Studying for tests is a last resort and only occurs under the condition of a possible course failure
• Typically knows 75% more people than your average student even if it is based on the coordinating the drug and alcohol scene

Now, I am sure that some variation of what I just mentioned sums up someone you knew, currently know, or are soon to meet depending on your dates of college attendance. What we tend to forget is our perception of these “profiles” is shaped by our society and our culture. So, when I say, “C students rule the world” and people look at me and say “Scotty you (are is usually omitted) crazy “ (“Yes I know JR” is typically my reply to my incessant friend), I am actually being serious. The path the “C student” chooses to take allows for certain experiences which shape these individuals lives. Most of us tend to grow in different ways and “C students” simply learn how to engage others in such a way that eventually allow them to be leaders of our society just as our “A students” would. However, at the time we initially break down the “C student” profile, such consideration of this end result is not given. It often takes a decade or more to realize the remarkable achievements that these individuals make because, again at first, they are simply written off.

Now, please understand that in this argument I am basically honing in on post secondary education. Obviously, our current education system needs work and in no way am I trying to marginalize the importance of a good education. More clearly my argument is predicated on those who have the capacity to attend a post secondary institution, also have the ability to “rule the world”. While there is a lot to be said for the importance of attending college these days (the percentages of higher wage earners attending college as opposed to not attending is staggering), reaching that plateau in almost all cases will provide an unparalleled opportunity for those who are privileged to make it there.

You see, the “A students” simply get to school knowing what they want and how they are going to achieve it. The “C students” even more simply, have no idea about what direction they want to go in. Many of the “A students” choose a specialized major, significantly narrowing their focus and which eventually leads to becoming a specialist. The “C students” take on a broad or generalized major allowing for a change in heart, change in scenery, or a change in their social schedule. Often times, the “C student” reaches a point where a path kicks in and they not only then have the drive, but an incredible network of people to assist them in the future.
But even with that said, it isn’t “who you know” that gets you places. It is this drive to improve and to be great that gets us places in the world. While the styles of getting there are very different, it is hard to argue that the world’s “C students” haven’t figured out how to get there.

A “C student” (at the time I knew him in college) once told me, “it is hard to be a C student.” My response was, “I am not sure I follow how that is difficult.” He explained, “Not only do I have to make an extra effort with my professors when I don’t show up to class, I have to make a pitch to the department heads to be afforded the opportunity to make up exams and term papers.” My response to this was, “Well why haven’t you done any of that you jackwagon?” He exclaimed, “I am too busy managing my time between playing hockey, partying, scheduling meetings for extracurricular events….” And the list went on and on. After processing this and later realizing that he had used his social skills to “play” the teachers as he had referenced it at the time, I was simply stunned at how far ahead this guy was. It occurred to me that this same guy, who I thought was a complete waste for not going to class was far and away more socially advanced, instinctive, perceptive, and shrewd than I had ever imagined. He was ready to go out and juggle a life in the real world with a nice job or maybe two and keep his cool while doing it. He is now an entrepreneur responsible for the creation of a successful new age financial outlet. That is more than many (though not all) of the “A students” can say. Their narrow focus proved their ability to be attentive and specialized but it didn’t allow for any work-life balance, significant social interaction, or relationship building (again not all).

Creating the network (the “who you know”) and having the experience is much better than borrowing from someone else’s. Now time to break down the walls society has created for us. It is time to stop judging people based on standards that have been set by others, who in most cases have no clue what they are talking about. It is my belief that there is a destination for everyone (which I may add differs from person to person) and there is no right or wrong way to get there (see Michael Vick — though not condoning his criminal actions). This destination should be defined by the individual, not by society, and should be governed only by the statutes, regulations, and mores of our culture – not by what society has conjured up based on prejudicial and superficial right and wrong that has been adopted by most if not all of us. Take a look at the successful people around you, or better yet, take a look at some of the most influential leaders today and see how they got there. Many more will come from off the traditional path than what you might imagine, yet I can say with some conviction that it hasn’t always been that way, nor can I guarantee that it will continue, though we can hope.

–Scotty McCarville