The High School Experience Comes in Many Forms

Society has paved this ideal path of success when it comes to the high school experience, but as a sophomore in high school, I found a program that challenged this notion. 

At the age of sixteen, I felt unsatisfied with my time in a traditional, high school environment. My days were unfulfilling, courses weren’t of interest to me, and I didn’t feel as though I could fully let my soul shine. One day, driving home from school, I came to realize that life is just too damn short to be in a place where it just doesn’t feel right. I acted on that feeling and decided to apply to a small, community-based, high school program that took place at my local community college. Who would’ve known I was about to embark on a journey of self-exploration, discovery, and most importantly, acceptance?

The determination and interest among a group is unstoppable when they’re all choosing to be there. As a collective unit, each student took it upon themselves to leave the traditional school environment––this was powerful in itself. My classmates and I were so different from one another, yet so like-minded. The community feeling within my class flourished, yet we all came from different walks of life. We brought a variety of beliefs, attitudes, and perspectives towards the world onto campus, which only made the classroom discussions and debates more powerful. 

The program I chose to attend fit the student, rather than the student being forced to fit the school. A variety of learning styles were supported, perspectives were embraced, and we were given the opportunity to express our learning in a way that felt right to us. 

A student-teacher relationship is one that can either make or break your learning experience. Due to the small community of this program, my two teachers were able to understand me at my core and get to know more than just my first name. As a student, I’ve realized that I succeed in a classroom when I’m understood by those learning beside me. My teachers, more like friends, gave me the space to find myself in the classroom, as well as outside of the classroom. In their class, I could simply be and I felt free to explore. 

My schedule looked different compared to the “typical” high school student. I was able to choose the structure of my days, take night classes, explore a variety of topics, get involved in areas I was truly interested in, and the best part of the day: community hour. Community hour was our time to put the books down, play board games, and take care of one another. 

Taking the alternative path during my last two years of high school truly showed me that there is in fact room for every type of student in the classroom. I was able to take ownership of my learning experience, take a multitude of courses that were of interest to me, explore my style, and most importantly, I was able to become a better version of myself. 

Always remember that if you’re not happy with what’s in front of you, act on it, and be a vessel for change. In a society where “success” is deemed the same for all participants, create your own measurement of success and be true to you. There’s no shame in being a self-advocate and leading a life according to your needs.

 

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