Sunday, January 15, 2006

What makes someone smart?

I've been pretty busy lately, it is a wonder I have had time to think of anything philosophical at all, but I guess this is something that has been nagging at me for a bit. It is something you run into a lot at University I guess...

People have often told me I'm smart. It is funny- because I don't see myself as being smart at all. Now this may sounds like the opposite of being conceited or smug or people might think I'm just being modest because no one likes it when someone thinks they are smart and then lets the world know. No- I actually don't see myself as smart and I am always surprised when I do well on things.

Is it weird not to feel smart? Just because I do well in school or at my job should I feel smart? I don't know its weird. Maybe it is a lack of self confidence... or maybe it is just because I am so put off by people who know they are smart and are convinced most other people are stupid and act like we should worship the ground they walk on. Barf. These are often the same people that assume that because someone doesn't have a 3.0 or higher, we shouldn't give them a chance to do anything. Newsflash again- some of the smartest people aren't actually that great at exams and traditional style school. When you give them something applied they excel and yet we turn these people away from Grad schools and Med schools because their GPA was sub-standard. I mean being a doctors isn't only about knowing facts. It is about interacting with patients and problem solving to diagnose and give patients the best care. Some med schools are doing a good job of selecting people to do this, others, however, are not.

Ugh... obviously this is something I get a little riled up about.

Anyhow... I must get to bed- I have a lot to learn about radiation tomorrow!

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