I hate this place

Feeling Frustrated with High School

IMPORTANT NOTE: Before diving into this post, I want to emphasize that I wrote it in a moment of intense frustration. If you’re sensitive to strong opinions and rants, you might want to skip this one. My intention was never to come off as so negative, but that’s how it turned out.

I genuinely don’t want anyone to feel the anger I’ve experienced, so please only read ahead if you’re in a good place to take it in. I plan to write a more composed and constructive piece about the American education system soon, which I’ll link here when it’s ready. For those looking for a more gentle take, feel free to check out my other post.

That said, I’m really struggling with high school right now. As a senior about to graduate, I can honestly say these past four years have been incredibly tough for me.

There have been many moments where I felt overwhelmed, and I attribute a lot of that negativity to my school experience. Thankfully, I have supportive parents and a loving home environment, for which I am truly grateful. I can’t imagine how much harder things would have been if I didn’t have that support. It shouldn’t have to be this way for young students.

I’m exhausted by the excessive requirements and the way subjects are taught. In history, for example, we get bombarded with names and dates without context. In science and math, it often feels like we’re memorizing formulas without understanding real-world applications. While I recognize these subjects are important, the way they are delivered can make them feel unapproachable and dull.

I’m also frustrated by the rigid rules, like having to raise my hand to use the bathroom or answer a question. The strict policies around phones and the need for ID badges create an atmosphere that feels more oppressive than welcoming. Every day, walking into school feels like a struggle against a system that lacks warmth and understanding.

It baffles me how we are taking young, impressionable students and putting so much pressure on their mental well-being. Schools often claim they’re “preparing us for the future,” but I find myself questioning what future they’re really setting us up for. It feels more like a path to constant stress rather than one that promotes joy and fulfillment. I’ve had to seek support outside of school to counteract the negativity that sometimes overwhelms me.

I believe education can be improved significantly, which fuels my strong feelings about the current state of the American schooling system. It often seems disconnected from students’ needs, promotes competition rather than collaboration, and doesn’t adequately prepare us for a meaningful future.

To conclude, I acknowledge that this post was written in a moment of anger, but I genuinely think many students are struggling within the system. This isn’t just about my experience; it’s about all of us. Every person deserves the chance to find happiness and pursue the life they want. While hard work is a part of that journey, the current school environment often teaches us more about discontent than fulfillment.

Edit: I won’t apologize for my frustration, but I do want to express regret if my words came off as ignorant or close-minded. That wasn’t my intention, and I was simply too overwhelmed to see it clearly. I didn’t mean to amplify anyone’s feelings negatively; this was just my candid expression of my experience.

If anyone has a different perspective, I’d love to hear it. I appreciate all viewpoints!