#51 TRENDING IN Student Life 🔥

Why It Is Okay to Not Be "The Perfect Student"

Student Life

Wed, February 11

In this article, I will be talking about how it is okay not to be that picture-perfect student we all know and love, that student who always tries to make an effort in school, even in the littlest things. Let's dive in!

We all know this student. We have all had an encounter with this student. This is the student who tries to be picture perfect.

They usually always have straight A's, a clean outfit every day and a perfect hairstyle to match. All their books are colour coordinated, and they always correct someone when they are wrong. This persona is put into many children's minds by parents or teachers. They try to be the very best they can, every little thing and/or mistake bothering them every second of the day. But it is okay not to be this student.

Image Credit: Keisha Kim from Unsplash

It's okay to be normal. It's okay to be like the other kids. It's okay to make mistakes from time to time.

It's okay to get a C or B on your math test. They think that being this super cool kid who pleases all the parents and teachers is a good look, and maybe it is to an extent, but going overboard is not the way to go. Not all students are perfect. Not all students know what they are doing. Most don't. You have room for errors. All kids have problems.

Image Credit: Annie Spratt from Unsplash

Usually, this kid is struggling mentally. So bad, it's not even funny. They struggle and struggle and struggle, and that struggle pays off in the long run; they show their parents their report card, and they are praised for being the perfect daughter or son.

When in reality, that kid worked hours crying and yelling at their homework because they didn't understand or because they couldn't get it. This can be portrayed as healthy or normal. That is far from it.

Image Credit: Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 from Unsplash

Something they never think about is whether it's okay to be normal. Is it okay to be different? Is it okay to fall back a bit?

Yes, it is completely normal; it's actually expected. No one is perfect, and yet we always have that one perfect student who is always impressing their teachers and their families. It's okay to be like every other kid, and all kids should know this.

Image Credit: Artem Beliaikin from Unsplash

If you're that picture-perfect kid in class who got straight A's on everything and always aced every test, I wouldn't be happy for you; I'd be concerned for your mental health. I have met so many kids who are just like this and are struggling so much. If you need help, it's okay to reach out!

Hope you enjoyed! It's okay to be normal! Being normal is also unique and special! Until next time!

-Layy!

Laila Hines
20k+ pageviews

Writer since Dec, 2025 · 19 published articles

Laila Hines, a writer, artist, journalist, poet, and designer. Laila's words have touched the hearts of many. While she has written countless touching pieces and remarkable articles on her social media, she wanted to get out there in the journalist world. Studying business, religion, political issues, and much more. She is a high school student looking for more and more opportunities to make it in the big world. She is also apart of the Youth Journalism Coalition. You can contact Laila on her professional email: laila_hines24@outlook.com or her public TikTok: laila_hines24

Want to submit your own writing? Apply to be a writer for The Teen Magazine here!
Comment