I don't know how to jump start a car. I don't know how a retirement plan works. I don't know how to to fix a leaking pipe.
As a recent high school graduate thrust into the "real world" (if you can even consider college that), I am coming to realize there are copious amounts of skills high school failed to teach me, and my peers.
For four years, I shuffled from class to class, greeted by bell after bell and learned about polynomial functions, chemistry equations and World War II. What I failed to be taught, however, were real-life skills. Some things you truly just have to experience to understand, but here is a list of concepts that would greatly benefit students if they were adopted into the curriculum.
1. Basically anything that has to do with banking
I cannot tell you the amount of students that have no idea where their money goes or how it works. The only reason I know the ins and outs of banking is because I work as a bank teller (which by the way, has taught me more this past summer than my senior year of high school did). Even teaching the basics--checking vs savings accounts, cashing and writing checks and simply filling out deposit slips--would be a big improvement to the curriculum in school.
2. How to budget
How much money do I spend on food? How much money do I spend on entertainment? How much money will I have to spend on my classes? What if my car battery dies? What if I get a flat tire? Managing and saving money is a life skill that is much better learned sooner rather than later.
3. How to file taxes
This is probably the biggest concept schools need to teach, especially because teenagers usually begin working when in high school. Virtually everyone, regardless of profession or income, will have to file taxes. While there are websites that can help, it's still pretty daunting when you don't know what you're doing.
4. How to apply for student loans/FAFSA
Again, another HUGE skill seniors need to learn. Usually, you have parents, siblings or friends that have done this before, but if not, you pretty much have to fend for yourself. Yes, high school counselors are available, but the counselor-to-student ratio is so low that there's no way they can answer every little thing for you.
5. How to apply for and interview for a job
If the whole point of going to school is to get a job afterwards, then why aren't we exploring our future career options and learning how to create a winning resume? Some courses briefly skim over these points, but they are not a focal point of our education.
6. How to be safe when drinking
It's baffling how many people get to college and don't know not to take drinks from strangers and to travel in groups when going out. Underage drinking has become more and more prevalent, and it's oblivious to think it doesn't happen in high school. The extent of learning how to be safe while drinking is taking a 45 minute alcohol education course before entering college. You can't tell teenagers not to drink, but teaching them early on how to be smart may reduce the dangerous incidents that can happen when things go wrong.
7. How to advocate for yourself
We are basically spoon-fed in high school. Once you are shipped off to college or into the real adult world, no one is going to hold your hand and tell you exactly what to do.
