Are You Ready? (revised)

Are you ready?

“Don’t cry because it’s over, Smile because it happened.” This is a phrase most graduates are fond of, spoken by the late Dr. Seuss.  Graduation comes in different stages such as Elementary school to Middle school, Middle school to High school, and High school to College.  While in your senior year of high school teachers and counselors try their “best” to prepare you for the next step in life. Whether or not this is properly conducted, it is believed high school prepares you for college. However, I know from personal experience that high school doesn't prepare you to be organized, to be prepared financially, or to enter the work force.

“Gosh I don’t feel like doing homework!” “Wow I can’t find my study guide anywhere!” “The Kappa’s are having party tonight but I have to study for final exams!”  College students face situations like these throughout their college experience. However, in college you have to be well organized and independent, In high school, organization and independence is not as essential. High school students are pampered and sometimes are excused for late submissions. Time management, organization, and self-discipline are not enforced in high school. Moreover, in college, these skills become a necessity.  Action needs to be taken by high school administrations and teachers across the nation in order to establish better execution of the student’s time management, organization, and self-discipline.  As proven by statistics from “The Washington Times” article on “Data: High school students aren't ready for college.” The nations’ 2012 SAT scores fell drastically than previous scores. Possible reasons being may include poor time management and bad study habits due to the lack of self-discipline. (majority)

Senior year, students are frequently reminded to purchase senior supplies, yearbooks, pictures, and their ticket to the senior trip. However, teachers and counselors don’t motivate students enough to do scholarships and they don’t explain the concept of FAFSA well.  College tuition is a lot more expensive than most high school students predict. They overlook books, meal tickets, and room and board. High school doesn't prepare students for the financial struggles that they will face for the next 4-5 years after graduation. Proven by statics public 4 year college/universities tuition rose up 15% between 2008 & 2010.   (increases) Statistics have also proven that tuition has sprouted higher cost than medical bills and the cost of living from 1978-2008. (Inflation)The cost of tuition is still increasing each year.  High school teachers and administration around the nation need to start enforcing stricter notice towards scholarships. “Money doesn't grow on trees” but there are other ways to collect money for college that high school didn't enforce.

            Friday nights; as a high school student meant football games and hanging out with friends. However, some students were at home typing scholarship essays or at work racking up money for college. While in high school an occupation just seems to be another regular duty. Moreover, for others it is a way for establishing morals for becoming a better citizen and a college student. High schools around the country don’t voice the importance of a job enough for students and upcoming college freshmen. With a job comes the teachings of time management, willpower, and how to become independent. While in college all of these qualities become everyday routine and will benefit you in the long run. High schools should become more “life essential” and teach the basics of what you will face in college and in the real world. An article posted on the website “teenink.com” stated that “High schools should have more classes that involve teaching students what is essential to live here in the United States.” Having classes like such can better prepare our students for college and the real world! (plan) Students should spend less time on social activities of high school and more on academics and careers.

Education is power in our current society! Education is power because without proper education you can’t further job opportunities or become a successfully educated citizen. Therefore, it is essential that all high schools around the globe are preparing students for graduation and their next step in life. High school doesn't prepare students for college or the real world accurately.

Our nation is calling for additional jobs and better qualified citizens to emerge. Time management, organization, self-discipline, and learning how to be financially stable are all traits our students need in order to become prosperous. Because as a nation we need to become smarter and more prepared to live! Careers, education, and life itself should be taken as an essential in today’s world! High schools around the globe should start preparing students for the vital education and occupations they will need to become an American citizen.