Success takes many forms

Regarding the editorial of June 19, "Not all grads on equal footing," although I support its basic premise, I believe that the editorial perpetuates unfortunate stereotypes about groups of students.

As a psychotherapist who works with students with a broad range of academic abilities, I wholeheartedly agree that "there's no path that's right for everybody and there's no single formula that can guarantee a young person's success." In communities like ours that value education so highly, it can be easy to forget that high grades and test scores and admission to elite universities are not the only paths to success in life.

The statement that "the brightest and the hungriest are the most likely to succeed," suggests a narrow definition of success and what it takes to achieve it. We need to support all students in developing their passions and potentials so that they can find success as they personally define it.

The editorial may reinforce misconceptions about the gifted when it assumes that "the smartest will do well, to be sure, and become the future leaders" and when it refers to "the accolades and recognition that the gifted students [receive]."

High intelligence can indeed be an asset, but there are many other factors that play into one's success in school and in life: family support, educational opportunities, personality characteristics, socioeconomic circumstances, etc. In fact, some of the brightest students falter when their needs are not met in these areas. Many gifted students do not receive those accolades and recognition, but instead are paralyzed by perfectionism, alienated from peers, disillusioned with school, or simply are pursuing their own personal visions of success.

Students who do not excel academically and receive awards should not be viewed as "average Joes," as opposed to "bright and shining stars." What kind of message does that view transmit to all of our children? What about the artists, musicians, comedians, athletes, chefs, fashion designers, humanitarians, craftsmen, dreamers, friends, and others?

High intelligence is not the only ticket to success, and success can take many forms. Good luck to the recent graduates as they pursue their new paths. Judy Wiener Agoura Hills