The Secrets Of Top Students Summary/Reflection

     The article "The Secrets Of Top Students," is based on a survey conducted by Stefanie Weisman. The article  gives a glimpse into Stefanie Weisman book The Secrets of Top Students. The article begins by giving misconceptions of "smart students." One of the most common misconceptions is that smart students are simply "born with it." The article provides evidence that proves that these are in fact all misconceptions. Stefanie Weisman surveyed forty-five outstanding students to gain her evidence. From the survey we learn that hard work and sacrifice are the two main components that lead to their academic success.
     Overall, I found this article very interesting. However, it has caused me to raise questions of my own. I defiantly agree with Stefanie Weisman and her survey results that some people simply are not just born smart but they work extremely hard to achieve academic success. I can most certainly say that when it come to "smart people" there are two distinct groups the "naturally smart" and the "hard work and sacrifice smart." It is easy to define the "naturally smart." They are born with high IQ's and simply gain knowledge naturally. From my point of view, the "hard work and sacrifice smart," is not so easily defined. I have several questions that Stefanie Weisman did not clearing answer in her survey. Are these individuals that gain academic success through hard work and sacrifice also "born" with something? Are they born with greater drive and desire instincts than the rest of us? Stefanie Weisman states that these individuals have a "desire and passion for knowledge," and that is what drives them to academic success. From this statement I assume that as long as you have a true desire and passion for something, you will be consumed by drive and therefore be successful. However, I can use myself as an example that does not fit into Stefanie Weisman definition. I have a true and honest desire and passion for teaching. I am in college solo for the desire to become a teacher. I desire to  learn and gain as much information possible to transform me into the best teacher I can be. Therefore, I can say I have the true desire and passion for what I am doing. However, I do not spend 20+ hours studying or preparing for class and I do not give up every other aspect of my life for academic success. Am I this way because I was not born with the drive that these other students possess? My point is that every student that achieves total academic success and excels to the top is still born with something. They are simply born with brains or born with drive.