My Frustrations with High School
Note: I want to preface this by saying that I wrote this post in a moment of intense frustration. If you’re sensitive to strong emotions or rants, you may want to skip this. My intention was never to come across as hateful, but that’s how it turned out.
I genuinely don’t want to evoke the anger I felt while writing this, so please proceed with caution if you’re not in the right headspace. I plan to follow up with a more thoughtful and civil discussion about American education in the coming week, and I’ll share it here when it’s ready. In the meantime, feel free to check out my other, calmer posts.
To be candid, my high school experience has been incredibly challenging. As a senior on the brink of graduation, I can honestly say these past four years have been tough.
There have been some really low moments, which I attribute largely to school-related stress. I’m fortunate to have supportive parents and a stable home life; I can’t imagine how I would have navigated these challenges without them. It’s disheartening to think that school can lead to depression at such a young age.
I’m exhausted by the unnecessary burdens we face. The way subjects are taught often feels frustrating. History, for instance, tends to focus on memorizing names and dates without any depth. As for science and math, we memorize formulas without understanding their real-world relevance. While I believe these subjects are important, the current approach often squashes any interest we might have.
I find it frustrating to have to raise my hand for basic things like using the bathroom or answering a question. The strict rules around technology make it feel like phones are seen as the enemy. Plus, wearing an ID badge just to enter school feels dehumanizing; there’s a lack of kindness in the environment.
Why are we taking young, impressionable individuals and undermining their mental health? Schools insist they’re preparing us for the future, but it often feels like they’re only gearing us for a life of dissatisfaction. I’ve had to find ways outside of school to deal with the negative emotions I’ve experienced.
There’s so much potential for improving education, which is why I feel strongly about the current state of American schooling. It often fails to support students, fosters unhealthy competition (like rankings and grading practices), and doesn’t truly prepare us for fulfilling futures—only for a corporate existence.
I want to reiterate that I wrote this out of anger, but I do believe the American education system is causing distress for many students. This issue extends beyond my personal experience; it’s about all of us. Everyone deserves the chance to be happy and to pursue careers and lives that fulfill them. While effort is necessary to achieve this, school does little to teach us how to find happiness. Instead, it often fosters resentment towards the world and our peers.
Edit: While I won’t apologize for my anger, I do regret coming across as close-minded. That wasn’t my intention, and my emotions may have clouded my perspective. I didn’t mean to amplify anyone else’s views on school, but I see now that this was a rant.
I welcome differing perspectives, so please share your thoughts. I appreciate hearing what everyone has to say.
I appreciate your honesty and the raw emotion you shared in your post. It’s clear that you’ve been through a lot during your time in high school, and it’s valid to feel frustrated and disillusioned with a system that often feels overwhelming and unhelpful. Your points about the traditional education model, memorization without context, and the lack of real-world applications resonate with many students who have faced similar challenges.
It’s tough when the environment feels restrictive and doesn’t foster a sense of autonomy or support. The issues you highlighted, such as the competition over grades and the lack of emphasis on mental health and well-being, are crucial conversations that need to happen. It’s important for students’ voices to be heard in discussions about how education can evolve to better serve everyone’s needs.
I’m glad you plan on writing a more formal post, as it’s a complex issue that deserves thoughtful exploration. Your willingness to acknowledge your anger while also inviting different perspectives shows a maturity that’s commendable. We all deserve an education that encourages us to thrive, not just survive. Thank you for sharing your experience—it’s a conversation worth having.