BookSmart or StreetSmart?

SPM results are out, STPM results are due too. Major newspaper has highlighted that numerous students done extremely well scoring a string of A1's. Some not so pretty news are those of depressed students that didn't do well for the exams, some jumped off buildings, some broke down emotionally, some took it very hard. This doesn't end at the students themselves, most often their parents are also emotionally involved during these times. Parents of student that gotten a string of A1 and a less grade for a subject would ask how come so careless and not work a bit harder etc... But is it that important?

In the past, getting straight A's is indeed an amazing feat but today, its just a norm or nothing great to shout about. Why is that so?
Are out future generation getting smarter?
Has the standard of education dropped?

Education minister of Malaysia is sending his children to other countries for further studies!!!
What has the above statement meant? Even our very own education minister do not believe that local education is good enough for his children what more for the public. Education no doubt is the very first stepping stone to securing a well paid job/career but is it the utmost important thing in one's life?

I do believe that everyone is born for a reason and we are equal. nobody is more superior that others. Everyone of us has their own distinctive qualities that make us unique. No two individuals are alike be it twins or strangers. We should not compare with each other but instead to learn from one another of their better qualities. Some people might be good at learning thru books but others are good at learning thru hardwork. One must not be despair because of some standard that is man made to gauge our intellectual.

I'm sure by not doing well in studies, one can excel in life once you've decided on what you're going to pursue in your life. There's a saying 'Every line/occupation has their own masters' meaning that no matter what industry/thing you do in life, you can be a master with sheer hardwork and motivation.

Take a moment to think about this given scenario in recent environment. Companies can only afford to pay so much for a job opening that has such a vast market of graduates.
Applicant A: PHD holder.
Applicant B: Cert holder.
If a company were to hire someone for a given job that both qualifies, who do you think the company will hire?
I'm sure most of you will say Applicant A.
Why? A is much more educated than B, thus making A a more suitable candidate.

Let's think from the company's point of view.
By hiring A, how long will A stay in the company? No doubt A over qualifies but in the long run, B will be more subtle to leave compared to A since other company's are also looking to take in better Applicants. Company nowadays aren't willing to part with a large salary just because you're good but because the market is overflooded with graduates that will be more than willing to gobble up the offer. Graduates are always looking for their ideal starting work thus are more demanding than their less educated counterparts, thus the unemployment rate of graduates rises.

So to those that didn't do well in their education, don't worry. You still got a lot of future in front of you...