Students without 4.0s have something to offer

According to The Gazette (May 16), Iowa is suffering a “brain drain” and what can we do about it? It would be wise to admit this fact and realize that we must do more to retain all people under the age of 60 by offering more than just Iowa's low rates of crime and cost of living.

The main issue is all the hand wringing because Iowans might be left with a work force not chock full of valedictorians. If someone earns a 4.0 and leaves Iowa for Harvard or Stanford, fine, let them go. The great implication left unsaid in Sunday's article is that Iowa is somehow missing out if the “smarty smart” kids don't return and live here. GPA is but one way to measure student success. If Iowa is indeed left with the B/C students, we'll be fine.

Many studies show that students who earn 4.0 grades are not necessarily the best when it comes to social skills and being a “team player.” There are other qualities among our students to hold in high esteem - compassion, decency, respect, empathy, true friendship, etc. Every student should have a positive future among our many fields of opportunity in Iowa.

Theresa Harker

Cedar Rapids