Although the passage states that students are responsible for mediocrity, further analysis is needed. If all things are equal, children are a reflection of their parents, so if they have been taught to fend for themselves, then the child will not have the motivation to go beyond the education system which is already lacking. Thus, when the student arrives at high school, his habits are deeply etched into his character, making any visible change difficult. Sooner or later, they see their peers getting by by doing the minimum amount of intellectual work and making the most of their other activities. After all, the student does not understand that the minimum wage covers certain things, but does not provide for a family. Although they can see the other children getting by with as little work as possible and may wish to join them; their character discourages them from following. But any weak link in their work ethic will cause said student to give in and follow the crowd. As a result, when the new students arrive, they will now witness his laziness and follow his example. An example is when a young man is trying to get in shape and if people who are in an opposite state of mind constantly surround him, then he will also give in and not complete his work.