As a student who strives for excellence, I have continually struggled with the shame and ridicule that comes from succeeding at university. Whether it was feeling the need to hide my scholarship offer, keeping quiet while fellow students rant about how a “TA is such a hard marker,” or getting harassed for deciding to take a night to study rather than always going out, I have been met with opposition by my peers every time I strive to succeed.
I recognize the university tries to create a safe, encouraging space for students who excel. However, I can’t help but notice that student support and networking groups almost exclusively offer resources to those in need of academic help, or those whose passions lie outside academia.
SFU Golden Key is the only group I have found in my four years at SFU that celebrates excellence. For once, there is no shame in receiving high grades or wanting to be involved as a leader in the academic community.
Don’t use Reddit quotes and uninformed statements in place of facts.
I can openly talk of the struggles I have with my school and work-life balance, shamelessly express fear over losing scholarships by failing to attain a high CGPA, and find friends to study with during exams who don’t encourage me to cast aside my goals in exchange for a hangover. This is precisely why I wanted to write in response to the article published on Sept. 9 regarding supposed skepticism and the Golden Key society.
Even as I write this letter, I worry over the judgment I may receive in response. But I ask you: why is it that students can laugh and bond over the fact that they “completely bombed that exam,” while I have to hide a paper from my peers that deservedly got an excellent grade after hours of hard work? Call it anti-social or elitist if you’d like, but I believe I should be able to take pride in my hard work and academic success rather than sneaking it in at the bottom of my LinkedIn profile.
So please don’t use Reddit quotes and vague, uninformed statements in place of the facts you were given by informed people to tear down an organization concretely and internationally proven to help students succeed, find friends, get financial support, study and network abroad, and give back to their communities. “Student skepticism” arises from a lack of factual and objective information, not from the organization being shady, illegitimate or exclusive.
It’s an honour to be part of SFU Golden Key, and becoming a member should feel and be celebrated as such. Membership fees are not a scam — they are used to support events, travel opportunities, and scholarships of the Golden Key International Honour Society’s thousands of members worldwide.
Well said, it’s unfortunate that students that don’t prioritize their school work with hard work and good marks stoop to jealousy and, for lack of better words, bullying to make themselves feel better by attacking those that work hard! Be proud you stand by your values Emily!
‘The shame and ridicule that comes from succeeding at university.’
Am I being trolled?
As a student who strives for excellence, but also understands how to properly manage time by maintaining the balance between school, work and having a healthy social life, you do not have my sympathy.
Stop complaining, and please do grow up.
I think if you read the entire article you’ll realize that it’s not just someone whining about difficulties they’re having balancing school/life/work asking for sympathy; it’s about the fact that there are hundreds of student groups focused on things /other/ than academia, and none currently specifically for people who are passionate about academics and leadership in academia besides Golden Key. Thus its defence of GK’s importance as a niche student group.
Yeah, they have a club for that. It’s called “grad school”.
hahaha
this is the funniest thing i’ve read all week.
Great article Emily! I can completely relate to your experiences. I have had many friends resent me for achieving high grades, even though I did not boast about it. People don’t realize that we’re not trying to compete with the class. We are simply taking our education seriously because it is something we value.
This is an excellent article
Wonderful piece Emily, very articulate. It’s refreshing to hear good things about this organisation, as Golden Key is definitely what you make of it. It affords great opportunities for students including working with others who hold similar views on academics, leadership and service, access to scholarships, and a myriad of other opportunities. Just like anything else, you only get out what you put in!
you do know this article is satire right?