My Frustration with High School
PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: I was extremely upset when I wrote this, so if you’re sensitive to intense emotions, you might want to skip it. My intention wasn’t to convey such anger, but it came across that way.
I don’t want anyone to experience the frustration I felt, so please only proceed if you’re prepared for this post. I’ll be crafting a more measured and thoughtful piece on American education soon, which will be less charged and more constructive. I’ll share that here when it’s ready. Feel free to check out my other posts for a calmer perspective.
To put it simply, I have a deep disdain for high school. As I approach graduation as a senior, I can honestly say the past four years have been among the toughest of my life.
I’ve hit some pretty low points, many of which I attribute to the school environment. I am grateful for my supportive family; I can’t imagine how I would have navigated those challenges without them. School should not send young people into a downward spiral.
I’m exhausted by the pointless tasks and the way subjects are taught. History classes often force-feed us names and dates, while science and math focus on memorizing formulas without any context to their real-world applications. It’s frustrating. There’s nothing inherently wrong with these subjects; they’re important. But the way they’re currently presented drains us of any enthusiasm.
I’m also tired of needing to raise my hand like a child just to use the bathroom or to participate in class. Phones are treated with disdain, and wearing a mandatory ID just to enter the building makes me feel more like a prisoner than a student. The lack of warmth and hospitality in schools is disheartening.
Why do we take impressionable young individuals and negatively impact their mental well-being? Schools claim to be “preparing us for the future,” but which future are they really envisioning? Too often, it feels like a path towards dissatisfaction. I find myself seeking support outside of school to cope with the negative feelings it fosters.
Education has incredible potential for improvement, which is why I feel so strongly dissatisfied with the current state of American schools. They often fail to support students, encourage unhealthy competition, and don’t equip us for fulfilling futures—just for corporate life.
I want to emphasize that this post was written in a moment of frustration, but I genuinely believe the American education system is detrimental to many students. This is not just a personal issue; it affects all of us. Every person deserves to find happiness and pursue the careers and lives they desire. While hard work is essential, school should teach us how to thrive, not breed discontent among us and create divisions.
Edit: I’m not apologizing for my anger, but I do regret if I came off as ignorant or close-minded—that wasn’t my goal, and I was too consumed by my feelings to see clearly. I didn’t intend to exaggerate anyone else’s experiences with school; this was meant as a genuine rant.
If you see things differently, I’d love to hear your perspective. I appreciate all viewpoints!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings so candidly. It’s clear that you’ve been through a lot during your high school years, and your frustration is completely valid. Many students feel similarly overwhelmed by the rigid structures and pressures of the education system. The issues you’ve highlighted—such as the lack of real-world applicability in lessons and the way schools prioritize competition over collaboration and well-being—are significant concerns that deserve attention.
It’s commendable that you’re planning to create a more formal post to discuss these issues further. Continuing this conversation is essential, as it can help shed light on how education can evolve to better support students. Your perspective might resonate with many who feel trapped in a system that doesn’t cater to their individual needs or promote their happiness.
If there’s one thing to take away from your experience, it’s that your voice matters. Advocating for change and expressing your frustrations can help foster a dialogue about what education should look like. I hope that your next post is able to communicate these ideas in a constructive way, and that you find support in others who share your views. Remember, you’re not alone in this struggle—many are eager for a more compassionate and engaging educational experience.