You Are More Than Your Grades

Mostafa A. S. Rosheed

Dear Students of English Literature,

As you start this academic journey into the rich and complex world of English literature, it is important to pause and reflect on a truth that is often overlooked: your worth is not defined by your grades. While academic performance plays a role in shaping your educational experience, it is not a complete or final measure of your intelligence, creativity, or potential.

Grades are numerical reflections of performance at a given moment, under specific circumstances. They do not account for the depth of your curiosity, your resilience in the face of challenges, or your passion for learning. They cannot quantify your ability to think critically, to engage empathetically with texts and people, or to express your thoughts in powerful and original ways.

The study of literature itself reminds us that human value lies in complexity, not in statistics. Writers throughout history have challenged systems that attempt to reduce people to labels or numbers. Similarly, your voice, perspective, and growth matter far more than any single mark ever will.

It is perfectly natural to face difficulty, especially in your first year. Adjusting to university life, understanding new concepts, and navigating academic expectations all take time. What matters most is that you continue to show up, engage, and push yourself to grow—not for grades, but for the person you are becoming through the process.

Believe in your abilities. Trust that your progress may not always be linear, and that even setbacks are part of your development. You are here not just to earn a degree, but to learn how to think deeply, communicate effectively, and see the world through a richer, more nuanced lens.

So, aim for excellence—but know that your success will ultimately be measured not by a number on a paper, but by the depth of your understanding, the integrity of your efforts, and the passion you bring to your work.

With every book you read, every idea you explore, and every word you write, you are building something far more important than a grade: you are building yourself.