That feeling when all of your friends are geniuses

Last Updated on: 14th June 2022, 02:55 am

What does it feels like? Well, it feels good- and shit at the same time. Well let’s start with the ‘shit’ part. 

Let’s just say that I’m the below-average student in High School who has been always struggling with grades every term. That’s right – getting a grade of 80 is already a miracle for me, especially in math. This resulted to me being enrolled in remedial classes and numerous appointments with my teacher with my parents due to my low grades.

To be honest, I didn’t expect to be friends with the smartest kids in class and even our valedictorian! Heck, I never expected to be friends with anyone because I just lost my two grade school friends before entering High School. But, life has been kind and my HS friends are one of the greatest gifts I have ever received. 

But then, I can’t help but compare myself to them. Even my parents wondered why I was never as smart as them- especially in math. Believe me, I tried to study hard but I just can’t grasp that subject that tortured me for many years. 

I remembered that time when my 3 friends were called to receive honor and I was cheering behind them. I feel happy for them, but I feel sad for myself. To make it worse, I’m the only one in my group of friends that attends remedial classes! I thought to myself, “there’s something I should be good at. There’s got to be one or two maybe!” 

Here comes the good part. My friends helped me realize where I’m good at, and it’s writing and art. I joined my school’s official newspaper as a literary writer which focuses on poetry and short stories. And boy, one of my poems was featured in the main section of the newspaper! That was the first time I felt proud of myself. 

I also discovered my artistic side, which is designing scrapbooks- and later on graphic design. I realized that being smart doesn’t mean “being good at math or science”, which is the mentality here in my country. Being smart comes in many ways, and it also includes arts and literature. We are smart in our way! 

From then on, I started to let go of my insecurities to my friends and just be who I am. Having genius friends made me realize that I’m also a genius myself and the only rival I must have is non other than myself.