6 answers
hannah
Student
Lawrenceville, Georgia
1
Question
Asked
422 views
Why is college so stressful and why doesn't highshool teach you how to prepare for the real world?
What is the purpose of high school if it isn't to prepare teens for the real world? Is it just to study and learn universally even if it doesn't help everyone?
Login to comment
6 answers
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1179
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Hannah !
Your inquiry reflects that you are experiencing a lack in your High School experience and I would be glad to shed some light and give some advice. If you are not being enriched in your current high school, you can ask your parents if you can be placed at a different high school that you first explore and choose one that will fit your expectations and needs. Your second option would be to make a decision to quit high school when you are 16 and obtain a General Equivalency Diploma and than choreograph your own plans thereafter. They could be structured learning or unstructured. Those are two options if you feel that no high school can provide you with substantial gain. I personally do not recommend anyone quitting school but each student is different and they must make an informed choice.
High school does prepare you for the real world. Much like you have assignments and learning subjects in high school, you will have the same thing on a job or in a career in the form of required job duties and trainings. High school teaches you some social skills as well. You learn the difference between friends and acquaintances, what your threshold is for peer pressure and you form your preferences about what social situations you like to be in and which ones you want to avoid. This is personal growth and it happens in high school whether you realize it or not.
You weren't specific about what exactly are the things making you feel unprepared. Pinpoint what it is exactly and why so that you can see if it is something that you can change or have help changing. Extra curricular activities may provide some fulfillment, too. Also, having a group of different friends outside of your high school will add a bit of variety, expand any interests you may have and give you additional social opportunities.
You are someone special and have a lot to offer. Take notice of your talents, interests and energy and put them in a capacity where you can share them with others, thereby being an inspiration to others. High school can be a tough place, but it is good that you are recognizing your situation and reaching out for advice from people who have been there. A good first move !
Not everyone finishes high school, so the people who it doesn't seem to help usually quit and in the U.S. that would be at age 16 most of the time - I am not sure of the current law, though, or if it's different in different states. People usually quit for the reason that you've mentioned. That's not to say that these people don't go on to college or vocational school. You have to see what you want to do and the way you find out is to keep asking for advice.
As for college, you didn't say that you are experiencing stress in a college so I take it that you heard people say it's stressful. This part of your inquiry is not clear. Since you want to know the purpose of high school I have assumed that you are still in high school. There are a couple of ways to take your question and I hope what I have shared is helpful to you.
My own advice for you is to stay in school, takes classes of subjects that you enjoy, join clubs and extracurricular activities. Be yourself. Know that you have much to offer and recognize that high school is a growth experience if you let it be.
Best wishes to you as you move forward !
Your inquiry reflects that you are experiencing a lack in your High School experience and I would be glad to shed some light and give some advice. If you are not being enriched in your current high school, you can ask your parents if you can be placed at a different high school that you first explore and choose one that will fit your expectations and needs. Your second option would be to make a decision to quit high school when you are 16 and obtain a General Equivalency Diploma and than choreograph your own plans thereafter. They could be structured learning or unstructured. Those are two options if you feel that no high school can provide you with substantial gain. I personally do not recommend anyone quitting school but each student is different and they must make an informed choice.
High school does prepare you for the real world. Much like you have assignments and learning subjects in high school, you will have the same thing on a job or in a career in the form of required job duties and trainings. High school teaches you some social skills as well. You learn the difference between friends and acquaintances, what your threshold is for peer pressure and you form your preferences about what social situations you like to be in and which ones you want to avoid. This is personal growth and it happens in high school whether you realize it or not.
You weren't specific about what exactly are the things making you feel unprepared. Pinpoint what it is exactly and why so that you can see if it is something that you can change or have help changing. Extra curricular activities may provide some fulfillment, too. Also, having a group of different friends outside of your high school will add a bit of variety, expand any interests you may have and give you additional social opportunities.
You are someone special and have a lot to offer. Take notice of your talents, interests and energy and put them in a capacity where you can share them with others, thereby being an inspiration to others. High school can be a tough place, but it is good that you are recognizing your situation and reaching out for advice from people who have been there. A good first move !
Not everyone finishes high school, so the people who it doesn't seem to help usually quit and in the U.S. that would be at age 16 most of the time - I am not sure of the current law, though, or if it's different in different states. People usually quit for the reason that you've mentioned. That's not to say that these people don't go on to college or vocational school. You have to see what you want to do and the way you find out is to keep asking for advice.
As for college, you didn't say that you are experiencing stress in a college so I take it that you heard people say it's stressful. This part of your inquiry is not clear. Since you want to know the purpose of high school I have assumed that you are still in high school. There are a couple of ways to take your question and I hope what I have shared is helpful to you.
My own advice for you is to stay in school, takes classes of subjects that you enjoy, join clubs and extracurricular activities. Be yourself. Know that you have much to offer and recognize that high school is a growth experience if you let it be.
Best wishes to you as you move forward !
Jeff Ball
Data Scientist
14
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Jeff’s Answer
Hi Hannah,
College definitely demands more responsibility than high school, but high school also demanded more responsibility than middle school. I think the intent is that we all gradually learn more and more life skills as we progress. I remember when I was in high school, I wished I was back in middle school. When I was in college, I wished I was back in high school. When I was finally out on my own, I wished I was back in college.
It sounds like your college experience is stressful, and so my response is really more to help with alleviating the stress. First, I'd recommend seeking help from various sources like advisors and professors. Their objective is to help you succeed; remember that you are paying for a service they provide. Second, even though college is more like the real world than high school is, there are still safeguards. Possibly look into extracurricular activities or on-campus jobs to round out life skills that aren't taught in the classroom. Third, evaluate if you are taking too many courses. There's nothing wrong with taking fewer hours, especially during a time of transitioning to college life. I don't know if these thoughts help, but more than anything I hope that over time the stress subsides and you're able to enjoy your college experience. The holidays will be here soon; get together with old high school friends, swap stories, relax and recharge. Best of luck!
College definitely demands more responsibility than high school, but high school also demanded more responsibility than middle school. I think the intent is that we all gradually learn more and more life skills as we progress. I remember when I was in high school, I wished I was back in middle school. When I was in college, I wished I was back in high school. When I was finally out on my own, I wished I was back in college.
It sounds like your college experience is stressful, and so my response is really more to help with alleviating the stress. First, I'd recommend seeking help from various sources like advisors and professors. Their objective is to help you succeed; remember that you are paying for a service they provide. Second, even though college is more like the real world than high school is, there are still safeguards. Possibly look into extracurricular activities or on-campus jobs to round out life skills that aren't taught in the classroom. Third, evaluate if you are taking too many courses. There's nothing wrong with taking fewer hours, especially during a time of transitioning to college life. I don't know if these thoughts help, but more than anything I hope that over time the stress subsides and you're able to enjoy your college experience. The holidays will be here soon; get together with old high school friends, swap stories, relax and recharge. Best of luck!
Bhavin Thaker
Director of Engineering
13
Answers
Mountain View, California
Updated
Bhavin’s Answer
I would suggest doing some introspection what is giving you stress and why and what you could do gradually and work on it every day to build your mental muscle to tackle it. Your attitude and approach will help you. Think of it as a challenge that you will overcome and build skills to continue overcoming similar challenges in future.
Try this course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/learning-how-to-learn
and explore similar courses on internet.
Try this course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/learning-how-to-learn
and explore similar courses on internet.
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1664
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Hannah,
Perhaps the purpose of school is to babysit us while our parents work? But, even back when many Moms did not work, there was still 12 years of school, so, maybe that's not the answer.
On a radio contest the other day, the question was: "What is the Pythagorean Theorem?" And I thought, "gee, we really do need that stuff after all!"
Okay, on a more serious note. School is what you make of it. Looking back, I wish I had taken a much broader sampling of classes to get a more rounded education, just because it was free, and my mind was absorbing things like a sponge. Sometimes it seems HS is a big waste of time, especially if you are not into the social scene. I don't think I learned anything my last two years. We had just moved, I was going to a much bigger school, and I was lost in a "System." Nobody was looking out for my academic future. I do recall taking a Business Math class as well as Accounting, which I think have helped. Wish I had learned how to replace a kitchen faucet. That would have been useful!
What part of the real world do you want to learn about? Ask us those questions, we are happy to answer questions about life, finances, how to pick a good used car, or whatever. Seriously.
If you are mad that your HS did not prepare you for college, I agree with you 1000%. People who weren't identified as college-bound often didn't get a challenging course-load. Instead we got to memorize useless facts, like, who invented barbed wire. I still recall that question on a HS history test. Should have said "What was the significance of the invention of barbed wire?"
Anyway, if you are still in HS, I encourage you to try to stick it out. If this is not possible, explore alternatives. Sadly, a HS diploma (or GED) is required for many jobs. If you are in college, identify the resources that are available to help you. Writing labs, etc.
What sort of career are you interested in? Have you considered the military? I ask because I went into law enforcement, and was fortunate to have mentors who taught me about things like financial planning and investments. The military helps you to transition from being a teenager to being a responsible adult, they don't leave you out there all by yourself to figure it out for yourself.
Please feel free to post as many questions as you need to - we are here for you!
Kim
Perhaps the purpose of school is to babysit us while our parents work? But, even back when many Moms did not work, there was still 12 years of school, so, maybe that's not the answer.
On a radio contest the other day, the question was: "What is the Pythagorean Theorem?" And I thought, "gee, we really do need that stuff after all!"
Okay, on a more serious note. School is what you make of it. Looking back, I wish I had taken a much broader sampling of classes to get a more rounded education, just because it was free, and my mind was absorbing things like a sponge. Sometimes it seems HS is a big waste of time, especially if you are not into the social scene. I don't think I learned anything my last two years. We had just moved, I was going to a much bigger school, and I was lost in a "System." Nobody was looking out for my academic future. I do recall taking a Business Math class as well as Accounting, which I think have helped. Wish I had learned how to replace a kitchen faucet. That would have been useful!
What part of the real world do you want to learn about? Ask us those questions, we are happy to answer questions about life, finances, how to pick a good used car, or whatever. Seriously.
If you are mad that your HS did not prepare you for college, I agree with you 1000%. People who weren't identified as college-bound often didn't get a challenging course-load. Instead we got to memorize useless facts, like, who invented barbed wire. I still recall that question on a HS history test. Should have said "What was the significance of the invention of barbed wire?"
Anyway, if you are still in HS, I encourage you to try to stick it out. If this is not possible, explore alternatives. Sadly, a HS diploma (or GED) is required for many jobs. If you are in college, identify the resources that are available to help you. Writing labs, etc.
What sort of career are you interested in? Have you considered the military? I ask because I went into law enforcement, and was fortunate to have mentors who taught me about things like financial planning and investments. The military helps you to transition from being a teenager to being a responsible adult, they don't leave you out there all by yourself to figure it out for yourself.
Please feel free to post as many questions as you need to - we are here for you!
Kim
Samuel Vojtech
Medical Assistant
19
Answers
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Updated
Samuel’s Answer
College is hard because it is unfamiliar, Hannah. In high school, students are given opportunities which may not be given in college. By that I mean teachers may talk with a student about their grades whereas professors might not interact with a student other than lectures or merely emailing an assignment or less - a practicum. In a way, high school does prepare you for the real world. Time management, as in "I gotta get enough sleep so I can get up on time & get to class on time." Discipline, as in "I would love to look at [social media] all afternoon but I gotta study for that test." Lastly, social interaction, as in "I can trust this person but that person seems fake."
My experience was hard in that I went 20 years between high school and college. I needed to figure out things I had forgotten like how to study, when to study, how often & most importantly, my style of learning (I re write as much as I can & make flash cards.) I mention this because if I had it to do over again, I would have went to college immediately after high school. It's all about momentum; it is harder to turn the wheels of a car if the car is not moving forward. Good luck!
My experience was hard in that I went 20 years between high school and college. I needed to figure out things I had forgotten like how to study, when to study, how often & most importantly, my style of learning (I re write as much as I can & make flash cards.) I mention this because if I had it to do over again, I would have went to college immediately after high school. It's all about momentum; it is harder to turn the wheels of a car if the car is not moving forward. Good luck!
Caitlin McCann
18
Answers
Indianapolis, Indiana
Updated
Caitlin’s Answer
Hi Hannah!
The ease of transition typically depends on your high school. Some schools are more aligned with the work load that you would have during college than others. This is frustrating and I really wish this was not the case.
I would check in with some of the resource offices at your college. There are often people whose jobs are to aid with the college transition. Take advantage of these resources, you are already paying for them and they can be so helpful in the long run.
Wishing you the best!
Caitlin
The ease of transition typically depends on your high school. Some schools are more aligned with the work load that you would have during college than others. This is frustrating and I really wish this was not the case.
I would check in with some of the resource offices at your college. There are often people whose jobs are to aid with the college transition. Take advantage of these resources, you are already paying for them and they can be so helpful in the long run.
Wishing you the best!
Caitlin