"Does not work to potential." This is what it constantly said on my progress reports from school. I know I am of above average intelligence. I know this from various different tests and my capacity for understanding tough subjects. Yes, it's true, I don't apply myself. I have no talents, no knowledge of the arts, I don't follow politics or international affairs, I don't have active interests in music or movies, I don't read the classics or modern literature, and my computer talents are mediocre at best. I don’t do all these “typically smart people do these” things, and I know people think less of me for it, people I care about. They don’t say, “Matt’s an idiot” or anything like that. It’s more along the line of subtle body language and slightly demeaning remarks. Sometimes I feel they steer conversation to subjects I have no knowledge only to make me feel like an idiot if I try to join in. I have dabbled in all these areas to try and be like one of my friends or my ex-girlfriend, but I never seem to retain any of it or I just lose interest in it. I just don’t think I’ve found the right thing to do yet.