On my graduation trip last summer, A casual conversation with my mother and her friends recently led to the topic of children today. My mother, being a second grade teacher with 20+ years of experience, explained with an exasperated sigh that children today are nothing like what they were years ago; they have no drive, no common sense, and always expect to be rewarded for a deed. I pondered over this statement for quite a while.



There is some truth in what my mother said that day. Being a volunteer tutor for 4th graders, I saw firsthand that children today have very low, very poor standards. Many struggle with simple mathematical functions and grammar errors that should have been corrected long ago. Where did this come from? How did this happen?



I'm sure many people would jump to place the blame on the education system and teachers, while others would strike at the parents. It may be true that some blame is reserved for them, but ultimately fault lies with the student. Students today don't have that driving force that wills them to be successful, to make something of themselves. Back in my day ( now I sound like a ranting old woman) it was enough to simply understand something taught; we didn't need candy, video games, or other trivial things to congratulate us on a achievement. In fact, in my upbringing, success was expected of me; anything less and I was in for a good whooping.



The problem with students today is not one that can be solved overnight. Students need to understand that in order to be successful, education must be valued, over video games, cartoons, and Miley Cyrus. When children find that willpower, that drive to overachieve for themselves, only then will they truly be rewarded. And that in itself will be the greatest reward of all. (I know, very corny)