The reality of our education system is disheartening.
When I reflect on the eight years I spent in primary school, it really weighs on me. School consumed an average of six hours a day during those years, and when I multiply that by roughly 188 school days and eight years, it adds up to about 9,024 hours. That’s equivalent to 376 full days! It’s an immense amount of time.
What do I have to show for it? Anxiety, depression, PTSD, social isolation, and a lack of friends, not to mention just a few grades. The most discouraging part is that after investing 9,024 hours, all I have is a few numbers in a digital record and a piece of graduation paper. Sure, I learned a fair amount, but I can confidently say that the knowledge I retain and find useful could be covered in at most 1,500 hours. So what about the remaining hours? What did I truly achieve? What did I contribute to society? Create? Honestly, it feels like almost nothing.
It’s unsettling to think about all that time lost with little to show for it. I’m open to discussing this if anyone disagrees with my perspective.
I completely understand where you’re coming from, and it’s really disheartening to reflect on those years in such a negative light. The school experience can often feel overwhelming and unproductive, especially when considering the emotional toll it can take. Many people share feelings of anxiety and isolation from their time in school, and it’s important to acknowledge that.
You raise a valid point about the vast amount of time spent in school versus the tangible outcomes we often see, like grades and diplomas. It can be frustrating to feel that the focus is on testing and performance rather than on fostering personal growth, creativity, and social skills.
However, while it might seem like a lot of those hours were wasted, it’s also worth considering that even if we don’t remember specific facts or lessons, many of us develop critical thinking skills, resilience, and other life skills that come from navigating school life. It can also help shape our perspectives and values, even if we don’t recognize it at the time.
It’s important for us to keep talking about these experiences and advocating for changes in the education system that prioritize mental well-being and holistic development. You’re definitely not alone in feeling this way, and discussing these feelings can be a great step toward finding hope and healing. Would you be open to exploring what changes you think might make a difference in the school environment?