In school, grades serve as the currency determining one’s success. However, in real life, it is one’s skills, competencies, and the ability to apply them to create value that dictate financial compensation and success, depending on one’s definition of success. Yet, 33% of high school students are placed at an educational level below their capabilities. Transitioning from VMBO to earning my Ph.D. seemed improbable when considering my early grades. While achieving the highest academic degree is a notable accomplishment, I am sharing a more detailed version of my journey in hopes of shifting the focus toward nurturing competencies rather than merely judging individuals by their grades. This article is fueled by the numerous reactions I received from individuals who saw themselves in my story, which I shared on LinkedIn upon receiving my Ph.D.
Starting with VMBO-TL, a vocational level, many view it as a less rigorous academic track. It is often regarded as a pathway for those who might find HAVO too demanding. I moved from VMBO-TL to VWO, the pre-university level, within my first three years in high school. Yet, I barely made it through VWO, scraping by with a grade of 5.5, the bare minimum to pass. At the same time, I achieved a 9 on my chemistry profile assignment.
Despite my grades not being a clear indicator of future academic success, I embarked on a Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences, followed by a Master’s in Drug Innovation at Utrecht University. I graduated cum laude from my Master of Science program with an average grade of 8.8 and an honors distinction.
The catalyst was discovering a genuine passion: molecular cardiology research, with the goal of developing new treatments for cardiovascular patients.
During my master’s studies, I was offered a Ph.D. opportunity, which I embraced wholeheartedly. Over three years, my Ph.D. work resulted in more than five first-author publications and a patent. The crowning achievement was earning a Ph.D. in regenerative medicine, a field at the forefront of transforming healthcare by repairing damaged tissues and organs.
These achievements were not mine alone. They were made possible through the support of exceptional mentors, invaluable colleagues, caring friends, and family.
Looking back on a 17-year academic journey, from my first day in high school to receiving my Ph.D., I value the lessons my parents taught me more than any academic achievement:
- You don’t get what you deserve, but what you negotiate.
- Other people’s opinions of you do not have to become your reality.
- Knowledge is not power; applied knowledge is.
- You cannot win if you are afraid to fail.
- Stay curious. Every day is a learning opportunity.
- Your surroundings matter. Surround yourself with positive influences.
- When faced with tough decisions, remember that every choice adds to your experience.
- The education system often judges everyone by the same yardstick, but each of us has unique talents. It is up to you to discover how to use them to contribute to society.
A failing grade is not the end of the world. It is time we move beyond labels such as “highly educated” or “less educated” and start appreciating individuals for their unique talents and contributions.
The advice to go to school, get a job, and work until retirement may have been relevant decades ago. Today, with rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, life sciences, and technology, many jobs will become obsolete within 10 to 20 years.
Key takeaway
Chart your own course and stay true to your vision for the future. Do not let societal benchmarks such as grades define your worth. Embrace continuous learning and growth, and be open to the possibility of failure.
Focus on developing skills that align with your natural abilities. For me, that meant conducting research within an academic trajectory. For you, it may be something entirely different.
Once you find the right fit, determine how to leverage your skills to create value for society.
“Those who can provide the most value to society will receive the equivalent financial contribution in return.” – Alex Hormozi
The best advice I received early in my career was to focus on working to learn rather than working to earn. What you learn early on will compound over time, instead of remaining in a role you dislike with limited growth potential.
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