Every now and then I tend to get reminiscent about my four years of high school. Those four years were the longest I ever spent attending the same school every single day. Most of my memories are fond and I often miss the close friendships I had, the teachers who knew me for years, and the comfort of living at home. However, there are also so many things that I am glad to be rid of for good. These are the reasons why I definitely do not miss high school.
1. Having to be at school at 7:15 am
Nobody is awake and ready to function at this time. College classes may start early, but 8am is nothing compared to the brutality of that 7:19 bell. Most jobs don't even start until 8 or 9 and I certainly don't miss taking tests before I was even awake.
2. Seeing the same people every single day
One of the benefits of high school is seeing your friends everyday. But, that means that one of the drawbacks is that you also have to see people you'd much rather avoid. Friends with whom you've fallen out with, exes, and the "popular crowd" were always right there in your face. At least in college, you can usually avoid people on campus.
3. Cafeteria food
I'm not saying that all college food is great and all high school food is terrible, but the general population would probably agree with me that this is the tendency. In high school there were barely any options and the food was always kind of lukewarm and bland. Being out of high school means having more options at least.
4. Having to drive to see your friends
Unless you are in some sort of Friends situation, your friends probably didn't all live across the hall or down the street. This means that you had to put in a lot of effort to hang out. In college, you simply walk to another building no sweat.
5. Basement parties
I guess some people really liked getting blackout in an unfinished basement? Some people still do this? However, not me.
6. Having to ask for permission to go out
When you are living at home, it is usually pretty obvious when you aren't there. Your parents know or at least want to know your every move. It's hard to be spontaneous in high school when you need to get the okay from mom first. In college, you could literally be in Guam and your parents wouldn't find out until they saw your credit card bill.
7. The dress code
It is pretty common knowledge that most high school dress codes are outdated and sexist. The arm's length rule for your shorts? What if you have unusually long arms? These rules unfairly discriminated against female students and were usually subjectively enforced (aka if you look cute and are popular I won't enforce it). In college wear whatever you want. Nobody is going to tell you anything.
8. Excessive amounts of homework for 8 classes due the next day
College is a lot of work there is no doubting that. However, in high school you are taking twice the amount of classes and your homework is due daily. College work is usually more spread out (although not when you procrastinate like me- not the point).
9. Thinking you're a big shot when really- you're in high school
High schoolers in general, myself included, think that they are hot stuff. Sure, you're the oldest in your school district. You're close to graduation. But truth is, you're just a person. Yeah, the high school milestone is a big one, but there are a lot of other big milestones in your life. And graduating at the age of 18, you have a lot more life to live.
