The “slacker” has a tendency to sleep in class, arrive late and is rarely prepared. This student type will typically take advantage of other students’ hard work and put it to their use. They are not known to study or prepare for tests due to the fact that they are oblivious in that area of their academics because of their reluctance to do so. This student probably has not even read a book since “The Cat in the Hat”. “Slackers’ do not apply themselves toward their education, typically because they are not interested in their courses. This student has abilities but refuses to use them simply because they are uninspired. These students try to submit as little effort as possible, usually because they would rather spend their time doing other things. Commonly things they should not be doing; thinking and scheming on creative excuses and scenarios for them not to be in class. Not to say a slacker is unintelligent, their successful attempts of dodging responsibilites only proves their capability of using complex ideas.
The “average Joe” or “just get by” student is the category which the highest percentage of students will fall into. Average students are not particularly interested in excelling in their course of study. They simply put in enough effort to please others while making it appear that they are doing their best. These students are not involved in an extensive amount of extracurricular activities because they do not want to apply the significant amount of time or effort expected. The “average Joe” avoids drawing attention to them selves due to fear of failure which can lead to embarrassment. These “middle of the road” students tent to strive to be average adults, with average occupations, and average lives.
The “overachiever” exhibits traits that are pleasing to instructors, parents and authorities. These students are involved in extensive amounts of extracurricular activities, as well as their difficult course load. They set high goals and strive for excellence, even perfection, in every aspect of their lives. This is a student the “slacker” would try to manipulate or sit (or sleep) behind, hopefully to catch a glimpse of a correct answer while in a pinch. This is a disagreeable notion toward the “overachiever” because of their fear of repercussion and not “setting the curve” or making the high mark” for the particular assignment or exam. This student more often than not achieves their high goals they set for them selves due to hard work and perseverance.
These categories are common to high schools across America, and have been recognizable since the beginning of the public school system. Future students will just as effortlessly identify the “slacker”, the “average Joe” and the “overachiever” just as they have in the past.
