What I truly mean is that I am immensely proud of my son, regardless of his low GPA. He will graduate with the same diploma as the valedictorian. His achievements as an individual, particularly in an educational system that often prioritizes high academic performance, fill my heart with pride.
Our Journey Begins
Our journey began when my partner and I attended our son’s kindergarten parent-teacher conference. We were surprised to see the principal listed as an attendee at this small private institution. Our son had always been a bright and imaginative child; he picked up the guitar at age two and quickly immersed himself in music, memorizing songs from various musicals. His communication skills were advanced for his age. We assumed the school might suggest he skip a grade due to his talents.
However, we were taken aback when the principal and teacher suggested he undergo testing for an auditory processing issue. My partner and I exchanged confused glances, thinking they must have mistaken us for another child’s parents. But no, the assessment was indeed regarding our son.
We absorbed the information. It was reassuring that he was a healthy child, and we acknowledged that learning differences were not a failure. This perspective has guided us over the past 13 years. They recommended simple exercises to help us identify any difficulties, like giving him multi-step tasks. We quickly realized that following such instructions was challenging for him; it felt as if we were speaking another language. This observation confirmed that he had a processing issue that had not previously impacted his life.
Facing Challenges
Each school year began similarly, with the teacher addressing this concern. We sought evaluations from various specialists, but the results were consistently inconclusive. Eventually, he was informally diagnosed with ADD. By middle school, he had an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), and we knew we were in for a challenging academic journey.
Although he loved stories and being read to, he struggled to engage with books independently. The need for immediate step-by-step instructions in class often hindered his ability to participate from the start. He required repeated cues to effectively jot down instructions.
He quickly became aware of his learning challenges, but when he received a letter from the special education department, he was surprised. We assured him that he was intelligent and remarkable, just learning in a different way. Adjustments could be made at school to support him.
Advocating for My Son
I became a strong advocate for my son, determined to protect his self-esteem. I, too, had not excelled academically, yet I found my way. We began to emphasize the broader picture of life, conveying that grades do not dictate success. To us, success meant being a good person, leading a fulfilling life, and pursuing his passions.
We alleviated the academic pressure that many parents impose during the latter years of middle school and the transition to high school. We encouraged him to focus on building character, compassion, and nurturing his musical talents. We simply asked him to do his best in school, and he embraced this message.
Lessons Learned
During our annual IEP meetings, a teacher representative would always attend. In eighth grade, his English teacher recommended he switch to a remedial class. I found this suggestion troubling, as he actually enjoyed English. If it had been a math or science class, I might have understood; but we decided he should remain in the regular English class. He expressed his enjoyment of class discussions, and I realized that the teacher needed to adapt, not our son.
At the end-of-year meeting, the same English teacher praised my son for his hard work, stating that we had made an excellent choice in keeping him in the class. He commended my son for his growth as a student. I didn’t need to know how this translated into grades because I valued his effort above all else. The teacher received an A+ in my book for fostering an open-minded environment.
That day imparted significant lessons. My son felt proud and learned that only he could define his worth as a student. He understood the importance of advocating for himself and transforming adversity into a triumph. This insight has served him well throughout high school.
Embracing Progress
When teachers set low expectations for him due to his learning challenges, he continued to strive for his best. He realized he might never achieve a 4.0 GPA, but he accepted this with grace, and we were proud of his progress. He matured into a kind, sociable individual who volunteered regularly at a local organization and even became the youngest student in a renowned DJ class in Los Angeles. By his junior year, he launched his own DJ business, performing at various events. He found fulfillment outside the classroom.
We focused on nurturing his talents, passions, and good citizenship. The SAT came and went, and his scores were disappointing; however, we remained unconcerned. He hadn’t mastered the necessary math and science concepts, so it was unrealistic to expect him to excel on the test. As we approached college applications, we discussed how fortunate he was to have identified his passion early on, allowing us to find arts-focused colleges that valued creativity over high GPAs.
Celebrating Achievements
I celebrate the achievements of academically successful students, and I commend their hard work in a challenging environment. However, I hope they are pursuing their own dreams rather than those imposed by their parents.
As my son received his cap and gown for graduation, I was overwhelmed with joy. He achieved this milestone, earning the same degree as his peers. He is now prepared to enter a world where his talents will shine. He understands the larger picture of life and how to navigate challenges while remaining true to himself.
It’s no longer about daily reminders of his learning disability; it’s time to focus on his abilities. In my eyes, my son has a 4.0.
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In summary, my pride in my son’s low GPA stems from his personal growth, resilience, and the valuable lessons he has learned throughout his educational journey. While academic success is important, it is the character, compassion, and passion he has developed that truly define him.