I got a C+ in a college writing class. That’s pretty low for someone who aspires to write. I hadn’t thought about the course, or the grade, in years, but was reminded of it when I received my college transcript in the mail today. The C+ was the lowest of them all.

It hits home. I regret not being more studious in that writing class. Was I not interested in the readings? Did I get too caught up in nightlife? If I could go back to that class, I would like to devour whatever books were assigned and practice my writing as much as possible.

But I can’t go back. Instead, I can make better decisions today. Where will D.J. ten years from now look back and wish the D.J. of today would have put in a little more effort?

Also, I did poorly in art history. Art history! I find that funny coming from someone who goes to an art history book to start every design project.

I once heard that the purpose of a teacher is to plant seeds. Recently, I read of a professor who gives students grades not on their performance in class, but what they would earn in the future:

“There’s an Alfred North Whitehead quote that he said: “Sometimes I give a student an A or B instead of a C or a D because they’ll earn it 20 years from now.” A good teacher will lodge education in a student’s mind that may not bear fruit for 10, 15 years.”

- Quote by Hollis Robins

One thing is for sure. A lot of seeds were planted when I was in college over ten years ago. I’m thankful for my teachers, and at this point, I’m not sure the grades mattered all that much.

Oh, and, perhaps, the saplings are starting to sprout?

Source: “Hollis Robbins.” Conversations with Tyler, conversationswithtyler.com/episodes/hollis-robbins/.