Student Voice:
Coping with Wonderkid Syndrome
We’re all familiar with The Wonderkid. The walking definition of overcommitted, he or she enters the room cool as a cucumber and, regardless of physical appearance, commands attention. They’re the kid who scored a 36 on the ACT without even studying. The kid who not only won last year’s talent show for their original spoken word poetry, but would have won this year’s too had they not refused to enter, satisfied with one win and eager to see others shine instead.
That’s the kicker with The Wonderkid–not only are they involved in everything, they involve everyone. The value they put into the achievements of others is the same that turns the goal you made at last week’s soccer match into winning the World cup. Their self-deprecating sense of humor makes them relatable, makes their
- See more at: http://www.stuvoice.org/2013/07/13/coping-with-wonderkid-syndrome/?utm_source=feedly#sthash.xcz2lYbG.dpuf
About the Author: Jilly Dos Santos is a junior at Rock Bridge Senior High in Columbia, Missouri. She has worked within her community to expand the student voice in district-wide issues through Students’ Say, a student advocacy group created by her and her peers. The group has been featured in Education Week, as well as several local news magazines. Students’ Say works closely with administrators and students from every high school to ensure that everyone has a say, and that decisions are made through research and student opinion. In April she attended Student Voice Live! and more recently has begun working as an editor for stuvoice.org. She enjoys volunteering at various places around Columbia, and was featured in the Columbia Missourian for her service and leadership skills.