Does anyone else feel like their classes are meaningless? I’m a senior in high school, and recently, my classes have felt so easy that I’ve just stopped going. It seems like some subjects are the biggest waste of time. For instance, in my theater class, all we do is sit in an auditorium until class is over. My other classes follow the same pattern—just sitting there while teachers share their life stories as if we care.
Honestly, it feels pointless to attend classes when all the assignments are online. There’s no real reason to show up other than for attendance, which doesn’t impact my grades. I’ve missed about 30 classes this quarter, yet I’m still passing everything. For instance, in weight training, you automatically get a 65 just for enrolling, regardless of attendance, since a 60 is a passing grade. It makes me wonder what the point is. In my other classes, teachers simply lecture and then tell us to pull out our laptops and start working—something I could easily do from home.
I believe modern education is flawed, largely due to technology. It’s become so easy to cheat on assignments, especially since ChatGPT became available. I rarely do an assignment without using AI, and yet I’m still holding a 3.4 GPA.
On a related note, I’ve noticed that many students at my school attend classes but still lack critical thinking skills and common sense. When I listen to my peers in science class, I often feel disheartened by the comments they make, which leads me to question their ability to think independently. I’ve learned that only about 10-15% of people really possess self-awareness, and I’m seeing this more every day, especially surrounded by my classmates. I sometimes find myself slipping into that mindset of uncritical thinking and blind conformity, which might be influenced by drug culture in high school; it’s rare to walk into the bathroom without encountering someone vaping nearby.
I don’t plan on attending college because I fear it will be the same experience.
It sounds like you’re feeling pretty disillusioned with the traditional school system right now, and you’re definitely not alone in that. Many students go through phases where they feel their classes lack meaning or relevance, especially when they perceive that the workload and structure don’t match their learning needs or ambitions.
It’s frustrating when you feel like you’re just going through the motions, especially when attendance feels disconnected from actual grades. The shift towards online assignments and technology has changed the landscape of education, but it can definitely create a sense of disengagement for students. You raise a valid point about the ease of access to resources like AI tools, which can make it tempting to bypass traditional learning methods.
It’s also important to remember that high school isn’t just about academics; it’s a critical time for personal development—developing social skills, understanding relationships, and finding your own voice. While it’s easy to feel disconnected from your peers, try to seek out conversations and interests that genuinely engage you. Sometimes, finding like-minded individuals or pursuing extracurricular activities can spark more meaningful connections and inspire you.
As for college, you might consider exploring options that align better with your values and aspirations, whether that’s a different type of institution, a gap year, or even vocational training. Education doesn’t have to be a one-size-fits-all journey, and figuring out what truly interests you—even outside the traditional classroom—can lead to more fulfilling experiences.
Lastly, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the environment around you, it might help to talk about it with someone—whether it’s a friend, a teacher, or a counselor. They might offer different perspectives or ways to engage more meaningfully with your current situation.