Average- Charlotte Mellow
MLK, Gandhi, Annie Oakley, and Abraham Lincoln. What do all these people have in common? If it isn’t already obvious, they are all extremely above average people. Their accomplishments changed the world and they will be remembered as extraordinary people. However, we cannot all be the next William Shakespeare, Isaac Newton, or Oprah Winfrey. Most of us will lead what some might consider to be an average life. We probably will not be written about in history books, and movies will not be made documenting our lives and achievements. We are normal.
I first came to realize my averageness in sports... Or rather slightly below averageness… I made the basketball b team in 6th grade, and in my summer swim league, I always got the participation ribbon. However, at the time I thought those meant I was the best because they were the coolest colors. Not to mention I am 5’5 which is the average height for white American women.
Especially as high school students, it’s hard not to compare ourselves to our peers. We all know that person who doesn’t have to study, gets straight A’s, and still has a social life… for me that person was my brother. This, however, is not your typical student. Most people have to study to get an A. To give you an idea of the typical high school student, according to the ACT the national average ACT score for last year was a 21, and according to US news the average GPA is 3.1. But these are just numbers and test scores do not make up who we are.
The American Dream of success is often portrayed as becoming a doctor, lawyer, or film star. We see these successful people in the media and can’t help but think they have their lives together, and we often feel inadequate or below average. However, this perception of success is not accurate. Everyone has different passions and sets different goals for themselves. Being successful should be about finding a passion and pursuing it so you can become the best you can be, not becoming the next Bill Gates or Nelson Mandela.
To give you an idea of what the average American looks like, they are in the working class and have an average household income of $51,000 a year. They have graduated high school but only have some college experience.
However, no matter how average our lives may look on paper, we all have a passion or spark that keeps us engaged in life. After trying every sport, dance, and even briefly singing I began to think I would never find something I was good at and loved. However, on somewhat of a whim, I tried mock trial and loved it. Once I found something I loved to do, it was hard to think of my life as mundane and average.
Although it is easy to compare ourselves to others and feel below average, we are all extremely blessed. Just going to a school like Harpeth Hall and having opportunities to travel abroad and have internships in high school sets us apart from most high school students. For us, college is a sure thing, but only 32% of Tennesseans have a college degree, and as of last year only 33.5% of Americans ages 25 to 29 had at least a bachelor’s degree.
I came to accept my averageness a long time ago. I may not be the best student or athlete but I found things I love to do and take comfort in my passions. Maybe instead of defining success by our salary or SAT score, we should focus on finding a passion and doing our best to pursue it. Our differences and uniqueness make each one of us above average, and out of the ordinary.