Have you ever been holistically evaluated? Frankly I had never heard of such concept until looking at the story budget last week. But the more I thought about it, I started to think that maybe it should be appropriate to consider assessing all human attributes rather than just the studious ones concerning admissions.

In this regard holism says that a person should not be judged by its individual components, but rather should be evaluated from a ‘whole’ perspective in order to achieve best results.

Without providing analytical commentary or sparking too much of a serious debate on this topic I will attempt to holistically evaluate myself.

Let me first mention how I despise standardized testing. First, you have to get up early on a Saturday morning. Then, they confine you to a classroom that looks like a prison (I took the ACT in Olscamp.) Next, you are subject to four hours of plain-Jane problems. Even the ministories for the reading section are mundane.’

Anyway, what I am getting at is these tests are not fun and are not intended to be fun. I know most kids say going to school and learning is not fun, but I think it’s a bonus when it is. And let me tell you, even at the college level I have had some fun classes where I have learned invaluable material. Thanks Dr. Foust.

So back in high school I took the ACT twice. The first time, I studied like crazy and got a 21. The second time, I hardly prepped and was out late socializing with friends after a football game. Once again, I scored a 21. Don’t they say more often than not if you take the test more than once you will do better?

Last time I checked, I was told that 21 was right around the average score. Needless to say, I was pretty sickened with my results because, academically speaking, I thought I was better than that. My teachers in high school agreed. They were shocked to find out my score. They told me I should have tested in the high 20s at the very least if not the low 30s. Now how is that supposed to make me feel?

Regardless, in the grand scheme of things, it wasn’t that big of a deal. It’s not like I was applying for Stanford or anything. I mean, I have always felt I was a B student. I could be an A student but I just didn’t want to sacrifice some of my social tendencies in order to hit the books more. I am, however, pleased with the fact I took honors English and math classes in high school. I have Mrs. Vogtsberger to thank for inspiring me to write. I feel not enough kids appreciating writing and reading.

This leads me to my next point in that I have always been a mediocre test taker, unless there are essay questions. I would rather write a thesis. I guess my mind is more geared towards being able to present an argument and elaborate on the points of view. I could memorize tons of facts and solutions, but where does that really leave me with applying what I have learned to everyday real life situations?

Forget test scores, the grading scale and a G.P.A. Just get me into an interview, I feel confident in myself. I have always prided myself on having a distinct identity. It started by growing up an only child and carried through in Boy Scouts which taught me so much. In fact, I would consider becoming an Eagle Scout my greatest achievement.’

And it really is more than just recognition to put on my resume. I suppose in a physical sense, it is a lot having a great GPA or test score to boast to potential employers. But seriously, what is more important is what you had to go through in order to earn those scores. How do the means justify the end?’

Again, I didn’t get the best grades or best scores in school, but I challenged myself. I diversified my interests and have found something I am passionate about. I may not be the best at it, but it makes me happy and in the end, I am able to share it with others. Thanks for reading, now go pick up a book or write down just how you feel about yourself instead of Facebooking.