--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I was really not a good student, and I…" description: "\"I was really not a good student, and I felt that shame every day. That's one of the reasons I started smoking pot and drinking daily.\" — Gary Shteyngart" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/307/gary-shteyngart-2177_drinking_i-was-really-not-a-good-student-and-i-fe_1646725.png" --- # I was really not a good student, and I felt that shame… ![“I was really not a good student, and I felt that shame every day. That's one of the reasons I started smoking pot and drinking daily.” quote by Gary Shteyngart](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/307/gary-shteyngart-2177_drinking_i-was-really-not-a-good-student-and-i-fe_1646725.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/307/gary-shteyngart-2177_drinking_i-was-really-not-a-good-student-and-i-fe_1646725.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/307/gary-shteyngart-2177_drinking_i-was-really-not-a-good-student-and-i-fe_1646725.png) > “I was really not a good student, and I felt that shame every day. That's one of the reasons I started smoking pot and drinking daily.” [Gary Shteyngart](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gary-shteyngart/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Academic struggles and shame can drive self‑destructive habits; acknowledging pain is first step to change. **In simple terms:** Shame fuels harmful coping. Key Takeaway Seek healthier coping mechanisms. Themes mental health addiction self‑esteem Mood empathetic hopeful Type self‑help reflective When to use this quote - College life - stress management - therapy - support groups Key Concepts Trauma theory behavioral change Questions to Reflect On - What healthier outlets can replace harmful habits? - How does shame influence your choices? A Different Perspective Changing habits requires sustained support. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Drinking](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/drinking/) [Good students](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/good-students/) [Reason](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/reason/) [Shame](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/shame/) [Smoking](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/smoking/) [Smoking pot](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/smoking-pot/) [Students](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/students/) ## Related quotes > [We didn't have rehab back in the Seventies. 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