I'm utterly stunned at the notion that a student who works hard but still gets a C in high school math must not be "college material." The description of this girl's experience is a lot like mine was in high school math (except she demonstrates much more perseverance and diligence than I did). In time as life went on I mastered the math I needed to, but remain fundamentally not a "math person."
Fortunately, most of life isn't a test of well roundness, even ability in all areas. Rather, we need people with strengths in different areas (writing, public speaking, organization, foreign languages, the arts, etc.) Yes, in this current economy students with strengths in math and science may find an easier road. But, it isn't like the bad economy suddenly eliminated the need for all careers that aren't about math. For students who are raised with great affluence and indulgence it may be hard to contemplate life on school counselor's salary, but that doesn't mean we need them any less. And, I will say if I was a high school student struggling in math I'd prefer to have a grown up version of this girl as my counselor rather than someone who says college is off the table for me because I got a C.
