As I progress through college, I have begun to realize how much essential information is left out of high school curriculum. Sure, the regular core classes of math, science, English, history, and language are solid building blocks, but what about educating students about topics that can be applied beyond just the classroom?

The transition between high school and college is difficult and had these five classes being taught in my high school, I feel as though I would have been better prepared for the challenges that come with adulthood:

1. Nutrition

Most high schools do have mandatory gym classes; however, discussion of how to properly fuel your growing body is less common. High school is an important time developmentally, and implementing classes that introduce basic nutrition to students could be immensely helpful in promoting wellness.

I would also really like to see unbiased discussion of the benefits that vegan or vegetarian lifestyles might have on students' wellbeing - a lot of the time these controversial topics are pushed to the side, but they could potentially be of interest to students who may not have otherwise heard of vegetarianism, veganism, etc.

2. Taxes, How to buy a house, etc.

A.K.A. how to be a real person and survive in the adult world. Practical life skills regarding finances would definitely be helpful to introduce high school students to before they are thrust into the "real world".

3. Mental Health

Mental Illness and mental health, in general, are rarely discussed due to the stigma that our society has placed upon these topics. I think it could be extremely beneficial to discuss mental illness and promote techniques for mental wellbeing to let students know that they are not alone and not "crazy" for grappling with mental health.

Today's high school students are experiencing more pressure than ever to succeed and meet expectations, and I have noticed that students often place achievement above their mental wellbeing.

Teaching students that it is okay not to be okay will open up a conversation about mental health and promote understanding and empathy for those struggling with their mental health.

4. Proper Sex Education

Yes, sex education is standard at most high schools, but we all know that the teaching is often inadequate, particularly in those schools that promote abstinence-only education. Let's face it --high schoolers are going to have sex whether we like it or not, and the priority should be to make sure sexually active students have the proper education to make safe choices.

5. Current Politics

I always found it funny that while wild political changes were happening in the country and world, in school we would discuss the political circumstances of say... the 1800s.

While I understand that it is important to be educated about the historical and social patterns of the past to have a well-rounded view of today, it is not entirely necessary to memorize dates and minute details about things that happened centuries ago. Why not bring current events into the conversation?

The high school students of today belong to a generation that encourages social change, so let's get them thinking early.

I know, many of these topics might be considered controversial or uncomfortable, but the only way to grow is through discomfort. Let's start talking about the things that matter.