A 'good' student or 'bad'?

The question “How would you describe yourself as a student?" is very vague. If someone was to just come up and ask me what type of student I was, I would probably respond with "I believe I am a good student." It's funny how much this English class makes me rethink everything (don't get me wrong, it isn't a bad thing!). To me, a good student is someone who goes to class on time, completes assignments on time, participates within the classroom, and most importantly, one who follows the professors orders. Now, for the 100th time in three weeks, I am figuring out that based on my description of a good student, I am technically being a bad one.
In a sense, these characteristics that I have listed to make up a good student aren't really bad, but they are too typical I guess you could say. It doesn't take much for someone to go to school on time, complete assignments, do the readings, etc. I am now learning that a really good student is one who thinks outside of the box. To be honest, I have never been that type of student. I would much rather have someone tell me what to do...in this class, that is going to be quite impossible. For once in my life, I am being asked to be creative and to think for myself. It's hard telling if I'm going to like this! Ha...I would not consider myself lazy by any means, but in the past, these are the things that have made a good student. Back in high school or middle school, someone who came up with their own "assignments" when assigned a different one got in trouble. It was like thinking for yourself was a bad thing. You weren't allowed to alter the rules...once they were set, you could not break them.
"What else are you in addition to a “student” in college writing class?" is another question I have never been asked...and I don't just mean because I have never been in college either. I normally refer to myself a student, because technically, that's what I am. In this class, we aren't supposed to think technically, we are supposed to think outside of the box. So, here is my best attempt. In addition to a student in a writing class, I am someone's best friend, I am someone's daughter, I am someone's worst enemy (I'm sure of it!). I consider myself a friendly person. I am not exactly outgoing, but once you get to know me, I tend to open up. Up until this English class, I was a good student and a hard working one as well (I am still a hard worker...but in a few weeks I am sure Pro. Marsh will convince me otherwise). This isn't something I like talking about, so I am going to end this here!