Is anyone else feeling like their classes are pointless? I’m a senior in high school, and lately, my classes have become so easy that I’ve started skipping school altogether. It feels like a waste of time—take my theater class, for instance. We just sit in an auditorium until the period ends, and other classes follow this same trend where teachers mostly share personal stories as if we really care.
The main issue is that attending class feels meaningless when all the assignments are posted online. I’ve missed about 30 classes this quarter, yet I’m still passing everything. Honestly, attendance doesn’t seem to impact our grades. For instance, in my weight training class, you automatically get a 65 just for signing up, regardless of whether you actually show up or not, which is already a passing grade. So what’s the point? The other classes I have usually involve the teacher lecturing for a bit before telling us to pull out our laptops and start working—which I could easily do from the comfort of my own home.
I believe modern education is seriously flawed, especially with the influence of technology. Ever since ChatGPT came out, I’ve used it for nearly every assignment. It can fill in almost all the gaps in my work, as long as you know how to ask the right questions. Honestly, I can’t remember the last time I completed an assignment without using AI, yet I’m still maintaining a 3.4 GPA.
On a slightly different note, I’ve noticed that many students in my school, while they attend classes, often lack basic skills like critical thinking and common sense. When I listen to my peers in science class and observe their attitudes, I often wonder how they come up with some of the things they say. It seems like only about 10-15% of people are truly self-aware, and I see this more and more in my daily interactions. I find myself slipping into a mindset of conformity, following along with things that just don’t make sense. I can’t help but think that drug use plays a role in this; there’s not a single time I’ve entered the bathroom without spotting someone vaping in a stall next to me.
I don’t plan on attending college because I worry it will be just like this experience.
It sounds like you’re really feeling disillusioned with the current education system, and that’s totally valid. Many students share similar frustrations, especially with the way classes are structured. It can definitely feel pointless when you realize that attendance often doesn’t reflect a student’s understanding or engagement with the material.
You’ve touched on some important points about how technology has changed the way we learn and interact with educational content. While AI tools like ChatGPT can be helpful, it’s also concerning when they substitute for genuine learning and critical thinking. It’s a tough balance; you want to use technology to your advantage but still engage with the material in a meaningful way.
As for the social dynamics in high school, it’s definitely frustrating when you feel surrounded by people who may not be thinking critically. It’s great that you’re aware of this and striving to maintain your own perspective. Surrounding yourself with thoughtful individuals, whether in or outside school, can make a huge difference.
If you’re considering alternatives to traditional college, there are many paths out there, like vocational training, online courses, or even starting your own projects. Finding something that truly interests and challenges you might reignite your passion for learning. Keep pursuing what makes you curious, even if the traditional schooling system feels lacking right now! You’ve got this!