Juniors and seniors are on their way to becoming functioning adults with massive responsibilities. With some questioning if high school really prepares teenagers for these heavier responsibilities? With adulthood comes paying bills, insurance, money handling, buying, or renting a house, voting, taxes, and jury duty. Would a new adult know what to do in these situations?
A graduate from Heritage High School named Edeling Ong, claims that she was not prepared for the surprises that came with adulthood and had to learn by herself. “I knew nothing about mortgage, insurance, and retirement. Or about stocks, investment, and credit scores. Nothing about transitioning to becoming financially independent at 18.”
It can be very frustrating having to manage intense responsibility with very little information about them. The help from an experienced adult can push back some of that confusion and frustration.
Another graduate from Liberty High School named Brooke Baio, claims that high school also makes it hard to apply for a college. She said, “Even if you go to counselors, it’s still hard because they give you the bare minimum.” Brooke also claims that college was preached too much in high school.
Though high school has some things to clear up for upcoming adults, there are some valuable skills teenagers can pick up for adulthood.
In high school, students may not be taught the essentials, but some do pick up some important life skills. Deadlines do not just go away after graduation, bills have deadlines, taxes have deadlines, and rent has a deadline. The deadlines given throughout school can create a good life skill of responsibility.
Though high school may leave some students confused after graduation, it can be a good outlet to find some life long friends. For example, Brooke Baio stated, “In the beginning of high school I had a huge group of friends, going through the next 4 years it became harder to make friends and the group got smaller.” Brooke did say that among these friends that stayed friends, she could see them attending her wedding one day.
Luckily, there’s hope for these new adults. Sources have come out to help these struggling graduates, there are websites all over the internet that can guide them to an understanding of what steps need to be taken. Sometimes with or without these websites, there are people you can call and ask questions personally and receive helpful answers. There are also some clubs you can join, Edeling Ong recommended Key Club. Key Club is a foundation to maintain responsibility and participate in community service. This club is at both Heritage and Liberty high school. Though the beginning of adulthood can be difficult, there’s always sources for help.
To wrap up, high school has its downfall in education and can leave some blind spots and surprises for future adults. But what comes with high school can be some good life skills for a more organized and stress-free future.
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Cover Photo courtesy of Alexander Grey
Sam Vallis is a staff writer and editor for The Lion's Roar. You can learn more information about the writer by clicking here.
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