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Showing Original Post only (View all)My high school counselor said I wasn't "college material". Well, guess who passed the CA bar exam? [View all]
A little background: I never took anything past Freshman English in high school. There was some sort of loophole that allowed counselors to put certain students into "lower tracks". So my class schedule consisted mostly of shop classes (auto shop, wood shop, "study period", home econ, etc). I asked my counselor about the English class issue. She said, and I am paraphrasing: "Those classes are for college prep students, and you're not college material." I felt so worthless at that moment. Please note that I am not trying to diminish the value of blue collar professions. It's just that the way she treated me seemed like I was not worthy of her guidance.
So after I graduated high school, I went with the community college route. I had to attend CC for three years before I could transfer to a university because many of my classes were remedial in nature (Algebra, Geometry, English, etc.). Anyhow, I kept at it largely because I knew I could handle the coursework. I just needed the opportunity to develop the skills needed to succeed. Well, I eventually transferred to a university. After graduation, I attended law school, graduated, and finally passed the CA bar exam.
Let this serve as a reminder that there will always be negative people who will discourage you from chasing your dreams. Use these naysayers as motivation. Develop a "chip on your shoulder."
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My high school counselor said I wasn't "college material". Well, guess who passed the CA bar exam? [View all]
Progressive Law
Aug 2018
OP
yup... High school counselors who generally don't even know the students making these
hlthe2b
Aug 2018
#1
Thank you for the kind words. The phrase "not material" still angers me.
Progressive Law
Aug 2018
#8
Congrats! I was also told by a counselor that I would never make it into my college of choice.
kerry-is-my-prez
Aug 2018
#6
My sister's high school counselor also discouraged her from applying to college
StatGirl
Aug 2018
#7
I bet you were a great teacher, too, because you understood what kids need to succeed. nt
pnwmom
Aug 2018
#19
This qualifies you to run for office, now! How does Congressman P.L. sound? Or Governor Law?
Honeycombe8
Aug 2018
#29
Congrats! You know you are in excellent company... they said the same thing about Einstein
Thekaspervote
Aug 2018
#35
Good on you! My sister was busted for pot at 16 by a couple of slimeball cops who threatened to
NBachers
Aug 2018
#38
Excellent. I'm sure there are exceptions, but I was never impressed with high school counselors.
Hoyt
Aug 2018
#42
I had so-so grades in high school. I never failed a class, but my HS GPA was...
Progressive Law
Aug 2018
#134
There's no justification for a comment like that. She said that because she's an asshole. nt
ecstatic
Aug 2018
#144
Congratulations. Don't forget to send your resume to the WH.
LastLiberal in PalmSprings
Aug 2018
#49
Some people should not be councelors or teachers. They have no business being near students and
JCanete
Aug 2018
#51
I agree. My counsellors in school were encouraging and worked with the individual before them. nt
Blue_true
Aug 2018
#121
I am in tears. Congratulations to you for overcoming that unfairness and accomplishing your dreams.
yardwork
Aug 2018
#57
K&R Listen to yourself not naysayers is right! Sorry you were not given a better HS counselor
lunasun
Aug 2018
#64
Congratulations! The California Bar is One of the Most Difficult in the US to Pass & Many Don't
dlk
Aug 2018
#82
Alot of students "successful" in high school turn out to be losers in adult life.
honest.abe
Aug 2018
#90
COUNGRATULATIONS!! i was a hi school counselor and i NEVER told any student they were incapable
samnsara
Aug 2018
#95
Rewind to 1976 - My counselor calls me to the office to talk about my SAT score
Lochloosa
Aug 2018
#97
The brilliant mathematician Evariste Galois (1811-1832) told his high school math teacher:
struggle4progress
Aug 2018
#108
Share Your Story with Your High School's Newspaper: HS Kids Need Encouragement They Can do it!
pioche4
Aug 2018
#113
Thank you for this. (And thanks to all the others who have made similar suggestions).
Progressive Law
Aug 2018
#136
Congratulations. My HS advisor said I'd be lucky to get accepted to City College (NYC)....
George II
Aug 2018
#116
I heard the same in story 1965. Find a job where you work with you hands. College is not an option.
usaf-vet
Aug 2018
#131
I sincerely appreciate all the kind and uplifting replies. From the bottom of my heart,
Progressive Law
Aug 2018
#132
Congrats! I was once told I couldn't read. Last year I got my SECOND graduate degree.
LBM20
Aug 2018
#146
Congrats! Sent this to my wife who teaches at-risk youth the past 25 years. I'm sure she
KPN
Aug 2018
#149