Traits of a Successful Student

By Katelyn Weddle

While there is no single definition of a “good” student, all teachers understand what traits support student achievement in learning and beyond. 

Theater and Stagecraft teacher, Mrs. Galvan, explains that the key to success in her class is to be outgoing and not be afraid to be yourself. She says, “Willingness to take risks and be vulnerable in front of people helps as well.”Outside of just drama, Galvan says “You are the only one that can make or break your day. Take it one day at a time, but look forward and get things done ahead of time.” 

College and Careers teacher, Mr. Ball, explains that being successful in his class requires organization and using class time wisely. As a whole, being a successful student requires students to stay on top of their work because “if you get behind, it’s very difficult to catch up.”

Civics and Economics teacher, Mr. Fuller, says that the key to succeeding in his class to have an interest in the subject. The more a student wants to learn the information, the better off they will do in the class. As for a distance-learning school year, Fuller says interacting through Zoom will help students grasp the information and do better overall. “Get to know your teacher and be willing to press that space bar during zoom and blurt out a question.” 

Agriculture Mechanics teacher, Mr. Coon, says that students need, “a willingness to be a self-starter, an attention toward quality, and an internal motivation to be a better version of themselves every day.” Mr. Coon notes that the times are tough, but all students have to power to “become a person that is tougher than the times we are in.” Coon explains that students can do hard things everyday to challenge themselves, and pick other people up along the way. 

Finally, American Sign Language teacher, Mrs. Duerre, says that success in her class comes from students turning on their cameras and signing to one another. Similarly, she explains that a key to being a successful student is turning on your camera and communicating. “Talking to one another makes the classroom setting so much better.”

The takeaway? Traits of students who are growing during this challenging time are less about talent and more about choice. Will students stay involved, take risks, and hold themselves accountable for consistent work completion? That will be the measure of success.

Tags: katelyn weddle, redwood high school, students, teachers