Ho has stated, “Could it be at all possible that the culture of success at Harvard drives over to skip right over the most important part...getting to know themselves” (181). Cathy Davidson, in “Project Classroom Makeover,” addresses her concern of the hierarchies that have shaped the educational institutions and used a “one-size-fits-all model” for their children. In retaliation, she seeks originality and individuality in her classrooms, no matter the cost. Hierarchies in the educational institutions and the workplace are changing the identities of students with the standards and expectations with the influence of the highly qualified …show more content…
Karen Ho describes the smartness found in students not creative or intellectual, but is rather standardized and generic. On the other hand, Cathy Davidson seeks out to find individuality in order to help her students reach their full potential. In “Project Classroom Makeover,” the girl with the striped hair, had the inability to pass any of her end of the year exams, but discovered she had a talent where she could draw high detailed images. The hierarchies within the education system set a standard that an abundant amount of students cannot achieve, limiting students to certain skill sets. Similarly to Ho’s case, she describes the elite students as “standardized and generic.” Many recruiters seek out top institution students no matter what their major and skills they have. An abundant amount of individuals, who have attended a different university are highly qualified for the investment banking or consulting firm, yet, will still be compared to an unqualified Ivy Students Most likely losing the job to the Ivy student. The recruiters come to the conclusion that elite students think faster and solve obstacles quicker than an average student in a moderate university. Because of the standards the hierarchies set in the classrooms and workplace, they influence the change in the meaning of smartness. Once that met to be witty, sharp, and