Or even me. I failed the majority of my classes in school. Not because I was stupid, but because I didn't want to do anything. When I actually did things I got really good grades. Not to mention all the major tests taken, like the ACT, ASVAB, and IQ tests I wouldf score above average. Not genious, but certainly a notch about the rest.
Aye, I've known people like that. A person's academic ability observes both their general intelligence and their willingness to work. So there'd be this one guy for instance, quick-witted, very smart. I'd have to help him in math every day, not because he wasn't good at it, but because he didn't pay attention. He didn't care about French much, and breezed by with a C. Now he's in something he really loves, aviation, and seems to be enjoying it very much.
I guess that means that the educational system is blind to interest, but not effort. Interest is
assumed, but not always cultivated. It partially comes from being good at it, but also comes from a certain emotional vestment. If I'm inspired by the professor, I will try that much harder. If I love the subject as a subject, rather than something I'm good at, I will spend that much more time pounding away at problems and papers.
I'm not sure where I'm going with this. You just kinda made me think of it like that, phyco.