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8 Things 'Sex Education' Taught Me That High School Didn't

How is it possible that those fifteen-year old sophomores know more about relationships than I do?

Ania Korpanty

Feb 03, 2020

Emory University

164

8 Things 'Sex Education' Taught Me That High School Didn't

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If you haven't heard of the iconic television series Sex Education, it's time for you to jump onto the couch and get to bingeing. The show stars Asa Butterfield as Otis, a high school boy who attempts to navigate the world with the help of his best friend Eric (played by the hilarious Ncuti Gatwa) and his overbearing mother, Gillian Anderson, a sex therapist. Along the way, he meets a rebellious teenage girl named Maeve (Emma Mackey) who he almost immediately falls for. The two of them eventually join forces and open a "sex clinic" together to provide relationship advice for the student body.

The series is not only entertaining, but relevant to today's audience by representing a variety of sexual identities. It explores topics like homophobia, emotional abuse, and even those kinks that no one ever talks about. The show makes you uncomfortable, but in all the right ways.

I am truly baffled that the characters in Sex Education know so much about sexuality when they're only in high school. As someone who never received any advice about sex during my undergraduate career besides "abstinence is key," I am amazed that the students (although fictional) know so much. They continue to teach me lessons that I will carry with me through my college experience and beyond.

1. Not Everything Can Work Out

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Even if you put your all into a relationship, that doesn't mean it will work. Romance is complicated and you can't mold someone into something they are not.

2. Show People That They Matter

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Tell your friends why you love them, let people know you care.

3. We Can Talk About Our Bodies

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There's no reason to act as if our sexual organs are any different from our other ones. We should normalize having open conversations about our bodies.

4. Age Doesn't Show Intelligence

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The smartest people you know might be younger than you, and your older friends might not know anything. Your age does not mean you are intellectually above or below anyone else.

5. You Are Always Learning

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We can improve and grow no matter where we are in life.

6. Everyone Has Baggage

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It is easy to judge someone and assume they haven't struggled as much as you have. Almost everyone is battling something and just trying to get through it alive.

7. Be Completely Honest

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Whether it's with a romantic partner, a friend, a family member, tell people what you're thinking. Don't expect them to guess how you're feeling.

8. Have Fun and Let Go

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Even if it means embarrassing yourself, don't be afraid to do a twirl for the world to see.

Join me in anticipation as I wait for season three to be released.

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8 Things 'Sex Education' Taught Me That High School Didn't

How is it possible that those fifteen-year old sophomores know more about relationships than I do?

1. Not Everything Can Work Out

2. Show People That They Matter

3. We Can Talk About Our Bodies

4. Age Doesn't Show Intelligence

5. You Are Always Learning

6. Everyone Has Baggage

7. Be Completely Honest

8. Have Fun and Let Go

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I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

It's mandatory to have these conversations.

1. What do you do for a living?

2. What's your favorite color?

3. Do you have any siblings?

4. What's your favorite television show?

5. When is your birthday?

6. What's your biggest goal in life?

7. If you had three wishes granted to you by a genie, what would they be?

8. What's your favorite childhood memory?

9. If you could change one thing about your life, what would it be?

10. Are you a cat or a dog person?

11. Do you believe in a religion or any sort of spiritual power?

12. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?

13. What is your ideal date night?

14. Who was/is your celebrity crush?

15. What's a good way to cheer you up if you're having a bad day?

16. Do you have any tattoos?

17. Can you describe yourself in three words?

18. What makes you the most nervous in life?

19. What's the best gift you have ever received?

20. What do you do to relax/have fun?

21. What are your priorities at this phase of your life?

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

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There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

A bad day at the lake is still better than a good day not at the lake.

You know the best beaches and coves to go to.

You have no patience for the guy who can't back his trailer into the water right.

Doing the friendly wave to every boat you pass.

The cooler is always packed, mostly with beer.

Giving the idiot who goes 30 in a "No Wake Zone" a piece of your mind.

You have no problem with peeing in the water.

You know the frustration of getting your anchor stuck.

Watching in awe at the bigger, better boats that pass by.

Knowing any swimsuit that you own with white in it is best left for the pool or the ocean.

The momentary fear for your life as you get launched from the tube.

You're able to go to the restaurants by the water wearing minimal clothing.

Having unexpected problems with your boat.

Having a name for your boat unique to you and your life.

There's no better place you'd rather be in the summer.

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