Every school day, starting at 8:05 a.m., I sit in class anxiously waiting for the clock to strike 3 p.m. so I can line up and rush out the door. My school days are filled with exams, notes and boredom. Instead of exploring who I am and what I love, I’m stuck chasing grades for a future I’m not even sure I want, versus having the time to explore. If I could practice the things I am passionate about, it would be much more tolerable. Of course, I would rather be playing games or watching an interesting movie than sitting in our empty, bland classrooms listening to a lecture projected on the screen.
Yes, our school has multiple pathway options, and I’ll admit that the majority of my teachers do their best to make classes engaging and to encourage participation. For the most part, I take classes that interest me, like Arlingtonian, where we get to have parties with candy and games (oh yeah, and write, of course). Or even IB Psychology, where my favorite part is watching “The Office” and applying the concepts and situations to the human brain. I also enjoy the nice midday brain break in Designing with Materials, where I can let my creativity roam free.
However, the classes I tend to struggle in are my mathematics and science-based classes. I understand that students need a basic comprehension of these subjects, but if I’m not majoring in math, why should the standard be to move on to Precalculus after struggling every day in Algebra II? Instead, I want to move on and do something that will better prepare me for my future. I don’t mean to knock those who enjoy math or science; I’m just speaking from my own experience. These subjects are simply not my forté.
Okay, maybe Personal Finance is important, but instead of retaining the information I was supposed to learn – like how to write a check, net worth or what the heck an income tax is – I was focused on completing the online course as quickly as possible. Rather than learning in a way that made sense to me – like how much it costs to spend money on Starbucks versus clothes, or how much money needs to be put aside in order to save for college and my summer plans – I simply went through the motions of “learning.”
In reality, though, certain requirements and curriculums need to be met, and schools need to ensure students graduate with specific credits. However, I still can’t help but wish that students would stop focusing so heavily on demanding AP classes that ultimately won’t shape their future or impact their career or education. I will admit, though, that as a junior who has always aimed for perfect grades, I am part of the problem. I’ve spent hours in math lab stressing myself out just in the hopes of passing a silly test that, in the grand scheme of things, is not that important. Here’s a little truth for you: none of your tests are worth the sleepless nights or tears.
Instead of rigorously studying for tests and spending hours doing busywork that doesn’t actually contribute to our learning, shouldn’t we help more students foster their own passions? High school should be a time for exploration; students should not spend those four years lost and uncertain about their future, only to waste time and money in college with an undecided major. If only time spent in high school would help students explore themselves and their passions, so after graduation, they have a clear sense of what they want to pursue in the real world. A school focused on real-world applications, mentors instead of teachers, flexible schedules/spaces and the freedom of student-centered learning.
If schools were more passion-driven, students would benefit in a multiplicity of ways. It would encourage creativity, foster connections between shared interests and motivate students while providing them with the tools necessary to strive academically and passionately. Learning about something you are genuinely passionate about doesn’t just make school more fun, though. Passion-driven learning makes it easier to learn and retain information, pay further attention in class and even gain stronger skills or understandings of the subject.
So, I urge my peers and classmates to try and take classes that interest you. Want to pursue advertising? Enroll in a business course. Interested in journalism? Start off with Journalism I and II. It’s still important to push yourself, even if a class level or final grade isn’t a huge factor in your area of study. That being said, focus on your classes and do your best, but don’t be afraid to take brain breaks–your grades aren’t everything. Bs or Cs are not detrimental to your future, and while high school may feel long, it will be over before you know it, so enjoy it to the fullest.
School in general may feel like a never-ending chore, but remember to take the time to pursue your dreams and passions. If you’re not sure what you’re interested in yet, don’t be afraid to explore different subjects beyond the standard core classes. You don’t have to just focus on graduation credits—use this time to discover what excites you. Do your best, but don’t lose sight of the things that bring you joy. You can still fit your passions into your school life without spending your time worrying about classes that don’t align with your future goals.