#16

I agree with statement number 16. It said that "someone can be very intelligent and still flunk out of three schools." The word intelligent has multiple meanings to me and each meaning needs to be applied to real life differently. The first and most common interpretation of the word intelligent is probably being book smart. Being book smart includes understanding school work and having things come easier to you. For example, those who are book smart don't usually have to study as hard as everyone else unless they are challenged. This doesn't necessarily mean you are better than others at school, your brain just seems to be more advanced than others.

The second definition, and to me the most important, of the word intelligent is effort. Someone can be the smartest person in the school but not try, which includes doing homework and studying. People always say "practice makes perfect" and in this case it may not make perfect but practice sure does help when it comes to school. In order to pass most classes in school it is necessary to do all of the assigned homework and study for quizzes and tests. This definition is the first one I thought of when I read statement #16. I personally feel like this is my biggest issue with school. Most of the time I am too lazy to do all of my homework and actually comprehend it. Also, I procrastinate a lot, especially with studying. Intelligent people make sure school comes first and gets everything done with extra time to go over it.

The third part of being intelligent is street smart, or common sense. There are a lot of people that understand everything thrown at them in school and nothing is seen as a challenge to them but they don't understand the basics of life very well. The basics of life usually mean respect and knowing when is appropriate to do what and making good decisions. Usually the things you learn and go through as you are developing as a child helps you learn common sense as you become older mature.

Applying all of these meanings to real life situations are what makes a person intelligent, not just being able to understand what's being taught in school. It is possible, and extremely likely, to flunk out of school even if you are "intelligent."