For many of us reading this, high school has become only a memory in our busy, newly "adult-like" lifestyles. We are faced with situations every day that we have to stop and say, "Wow, this would have been helpful to have learned back while I was in school." There are countless things that the school systems figure that we will either learn on our own or learn from someone else, but why wait that long to learn possibly life saving skills? Even if all of the following aren't mandatory for everyone, I feel as though schools should offer courses that include:
1. CPR/Heimlich
One of my biggest fears is seeing someone choking or drowning and not being able to do anything about it to save their life. I know there are classes that teach these skills but having them available to students would probably result in saving numerous lives.
2. Simple Home/Car Repair
I know personally if I were to get a flat tire, I would have absolutely no idea what to do. Same goes for having plumbing issues or any other type of home repair. There are people you can hire than can do these things for you, but knowing how to do it yourself would not only save money but it would also be extremely efficient.
3. Self Defense
With the world the way it is, it is always smart to know how to defend yourself. We all hope that we will never have to use it, but God forbid that we do, at least you have the knowledge of what to do in that situation.
4. Better Sex Ed
Sex Ed needs to include so much more than just abstinence. While that may be an option for some, only about three percent of Americans actually wait until marriage to have sex. First and foremost, consent needs to be taught to everyone. Anatomy should also be included along with healthy relationships, condoms and other types of birth control, LGBTQ+ relationships, and health issues.
5. Time Management
We start learning to manage our time while we're in school, but it doesn't always follow through to the real world. By learning to manage time, it helps to increase productivity throughout life and that is a priceless skill to have.
6. Finance
Taxes, mortgages, credit, etc. It's all there no matter how badly we don't want it to be. Learning how to successfully manage these things is key to lowering stress levels and handling money better.
7. Communication Skills
It is impossibly to go through life without talking to people. Public speaking is a great skill, but what about face to face contact? Being able to hold and actively engage in a conversation will make you more respectable, presentable, and confident.
8. Mental Health
Instead of treating mental health like a stigma, we should be taught about just how common it is. Over one quarter of Americans are diagnosed with a mental disorder every year with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder with substance dependance being the most common. Not only should we learn about these different disorders and how to handle them but also not to treat people that suffer from mental illness any different than people that don't.
9. Sewing/Hemming
With all the times I've ripped pants and shirts, I don't know why I still haven't learned how to fix them myself. Not to mention, with me being so short it would be extremely smart if I knew how to hem pants. These both are skills that everyone should have some knowledge on because who knows when it may be needed.
10. Healthy Coping Skills
Drug abuse and alcoholism are all too common these days as ways to cope in times of trouble. Learning more about yourself is the first step in figuring out a successful way to handle different situations in a healthy, productive way. Whether it's exercising, sleeping, listening to music or anything else, finding a healthy alternative to a not-so-good situation is beyond important.
11. Child Development
Even if someone doesn't plan on having children, it is almost inevitable that you will encounter a friend or a relative that may have one. Feeding, bathing, and changing diapers should be known how to do by everyone to ensure the best possible care for that child whether it is yours or not.
12. Healthy Meal Planning
Fast food can be found on just about every corner, so it is extremely easy to just pick something up quick to eat. Unfortunately, many of these fast, inexpensive foods are extremely unhealthy. If schools taught not only how to cook but also how to make healthy recipes and plan in advance it may result in a huge drop in the obesity levels in America.
