I went on to enlist in the military, got out after one enlistment, and eventually became a machinist and shipwright welder. I'm working on my SCUBA & underwater welding qualifications.
In a high-school out in the boondocks of Texas, I was easily the smartest kid. Everyone else was concerned with their parents farm, chores, football, and dating.
Nobody was interested in reading or higher education, and the teachers put no effort into encouraging students to reach higher.