Are You ‘B’ing or Failing?
This is in regards to my online ethics class I took at LSU-Alexandria for the fall of 2019.
The fall 2019 semester started August 26 of this year for me (B-term). I quickly scrambled, just like my eggs, to pay my school fees and gather my books. The materials needed such as notebooks, pens, and pencils were already stocked in my Garden District Apartment. After I purchased my items, I checked my Moodle (website for college students for work, exams, etc.) and realized I had two assignments due in two days.
I would have panicked a little but I was tired from working the night-shift. I gathered directions and submitted the work. “That was easy.” I chuckled to myself as I submitted the assignments for the next week after.
I was in high hopes. It seemed this would be another case of me showing my ability as a student. The sun came down on me as I would leave the downtown library. It was as if I was dry ice as I swaggered out with a half-smile. The heat would not turn me into liquid. This class would be another ‘A’ for me. I told myself this and even claimed it during a discussion with a coworker. It seemed to me this would be a class that I would breeze through.
Well…..I thought that. My dreams have a nasty way of going bad.
After a few weeks, I realized that I had an ‘F’ in the class. Yes, you read that correctly. I was failing the course. Could it have been I was unethical? The class was an ethics course. Surely, I could not be unethical. That can’t be the case. I am ethical. Maybe, I had the dates wrong.
There were only 4 weeks left in the course! It seemed like a long-shot and I would have to suffer a failing grade.
I sat there a few minutes wondering and asking questions. Then, I emailed the instructor. To my surprise she had emailed me explaining to me how my assignments were wrong. “Excuse me!?!?!?!” I thought to myself. I inquired the discrepancies of my assignments and was informed this:
It is not about opinion. This is about ethics. You must understand that your facts have to align with the assignments as it pertains to the text. Your ability to write is not going to simply allow you to pass this course. You must work up to your potential.
I left the library angry, upset, and confused. I started to wonder why did I had to even have this conversation with my professor. It seemed I had enough pain. However, I realized that it was still time. The class was not over.
I felt I had done my time with disappointment. I have had my nightmares as they manifest into harsh realities. What kind of work ethic must I produce in order to actually BE where I want?
We are only failing when we cease to become. Our success does not just lie within our potential but the effort we put in to measure up to the potential within us. We must BECOME who we are. The word become is an intransitive verb that means coming into existence. Existence is a state of fact in which you have an actual physical presence. It is a matter of one making use of the presence they have to become what is in the bowels of their potential. You have to work and strive to Become that person you are. You have to Be quiet to the negativity and leave it alone and accept the necessary criticism.
For some reason the last part of the professors response helped me realize that we must work up to the potential we have. For example, many can tell me that I am smart but If do not read then I am not living up to the compliment. If someone tells me how they like my ethic and I cease to be ethical then I negate a portion of my character.
Speaking of ethics and character, I sat on my bed and came to terms that I must put forth the effort and become that life coach I am, the writer, motivational speaker, fashion expert, and entrepreneur I am. I read more, I studied better and not just studied harder, and I researched the topics of which I was reading and grinded for the sake of my potential and who I was.
It is so easy to sulk and be angry sometimes. When so much piles up on you it can cause you to fell upset. I continued to work and focus. It was easier said than done, literally.
I remained diligent and invested more time in the class because I realized I was weak in a few areas. Reality is not bad but denying it is. I need to get better at studying and research my topics I study.
The professor announced she will post the grades at the beginning of the seventh week and if we had any make ups her assistant would let us know.
After the middle of the six weeks I was told we have just one more assignment. We had one more assignment to prove what we learned in the course about ethics and how important ethics are to subsist in a psychology related field of study. I took my time and made sure I my work was complete and made a 100%. All I could do is wait and see if my effort paid off.
It was a beautiful day in the late summer of Louisiana. The sun shined through the big windows at the top of the library, the sky was a crisp light blue, and the white clouds were a perfect accent to a daydream. I walked into the library alive with suspense. I logged into a computer and then checked my Moodle page. It was the first day of the seventh week and grades were posted.
I logged into my account and scrolled down to the “view grades” section. Previously, I saw a failing grade and it was seemed that no hope was there for a passing one. However, I made a point to live up to my potential and did just that.
My grade was a B. I was amazed at my effort let out a sigh of relief and joy. Before I logged out I realized that I had an email. The professor contacted me and congratulated me on such tremendous effort. It was not many students whom would work hard to pass. She informed me that many had withdrew even this semester as well after the first weeks. I walked out of the library happy but I remembered what I must do.
For I am not above failure simply because I chose to claim success. I must work hard to my potential.
I am proud to be that person I am because in that moment….in that moment….I realize that I have great potential and it is up to me to continue operating in that potential. I will be my potential…….if not I will fail.
So with everything I just told you…..are you “B”ing or failing?
****************The End**************
***Thank You****
I live in the Garden District of Alexandria, Louisiana.
I do not have long to finish my degrees and certify myself as a life coach and as a speaker. I work hard and live up to my potential by working my plan of action.
For I am not above failure simply because I chose to claim success. I must work hard to my potential.
I hope and pray you take heed to my encouragement and stay motivated.