"The glory days," or "You'll regret wishing them away so quickly," some say. As a pre-teen, looking forward to high school was the most exhilarating feeling. Being able to use our phones during class, getting ready for homecoming, going to dance after-parties, and cheering on high school sports teams were a few of the many things I was looking forward to. My parents, grandparents, family friends, and teachers would always say "High school is where you will make the most exciting memories". As a graduating high school senior, looking back on the past four years makes me think one thing: I sure hope they're wrong.
The aspect of high school that may aggravate me the most is the limited amount of freedom given within school itself. As a self-motivated student, being forced to sit through typical lecture-based classes is an annoyance. Sitting in class everyday, most of my thoughts consist of "This is from the textbook. I could be in the comfort of my own home and teach myself." In fact, if I deem a class-format as not helpful to my overall education, I will usually end up staying home for that hour and taking notes on my own from a powerpoint or the book. However, even if I ace the course by teaching myself at home, my grade would be reduced due to non-exemplary attendance. The lack of freedom in high school is unbelievably frustrating, especially for someone who has their goals constantly in the back of their mind and doesn't need a teacher to remind them.
The constant drama associated with cliques, weekend plans, and relationships is another obnoxious characteristic of high school. Not to say I was never involved in drama, because wasn't everyone in high school? But towards the end, I've realized the groups of people that provoke the drama and learned that straying away from these people, no matter what impact it has on your reputation, is the most beneficial thing to do for your happiness and well-being. You weren't invited to a birthday dinner? Find other plans. The guy you like is dating her now? There are other fish in the sea. These conclusions seem obvious to most, but in high school everything is the end of the world.
Not to say I won't miss high school. I sure will miss the luxury of having my mom do my laundry, not having to pay for textbooks, and constantly being a 10 minutes drive across town from my boyfriend. However, the lack of freedom, the constant drama, and the constant feeling of needing to fit in can only be tolerated for so long and I'm optimistic about what's to come in the next four years. You never know, maybe they will be the actual best four years of my life.
