Why Emotional Intelligence Should Be a Required Class by Liza

Why Emotional Intelligence Should Be a Required Class by Liza - June 2025 Scholarship Essay

In today’s high-pressure world, academic performance is often treated as the gold standard of success. Students are taught how to solve quadratic equations, write five-paragraph essays, and memorize the periodic table. But we are rarely taught how to name our feelings, resolve conflicts peacefully, or cope with failure. That’s why I believe Emotional Intelligence (EI)—currently offered only as an extracurricular activity in a few schools—should be a required class for all students.

Emotional intelligence refers to the ability to recognize, understand, manage, and express emotions effectively. It also involves empathy—the capacity to understand the feelings of others—and the ability to navigate social situations with sensitivity and respect. These are not just “nice-to-have” skills; they are critical life skills. Research shows that high emotional intelligence is linked to better mental health, stronger relationships, academic achievement, and long-term career success.

Making EI a required class would help address one of the most overlooked crises facing students today: mental and emotional burnout. Many students face academic stress, family pressure, bullying, anxiety, or trauma—yet have no tools to process or express these emotions in healthy ways. As someone who has worked with youth in mentorship and mental wellness programs, I have seen firsthand how many of us are silently struggling beneath the surface. A structured EI curriculum could teach mindfulness, stress management, self-reflection, and healthy communication techniques. It could help students recognize when they need help—and empower them to ask for it.

Beyond mental health, EI also supports better learning and leadership. Students with strong emotional skills tend to work more effectively in groups, manage conflict without escalation, and show resilience in the face of failure. These skills are essential not just in school, but in adult life—from navigating workplace dynamics to raising children or supporting a partner. Emotional intelligence is the foundation of healthy relationships and strong communities.

Requiring an EI class would also promote equity. Right now, access to emotional education often depends on whether your school offers a wellness club, a supportive teacher, or extracurricular programs. But not all students have these opportunities. By making EI part of the core curriculum, every student—regardless of background—would receive the tools they need to thrive socially and emotionally.

Some may argue that these skills should be taught at home, and ideally, they would be. But not all students grow up in emotionally supportive environments. School is often the one consistent space in a young person’s life. It is our responsibility to use that space not just to inform, but to equip.

In conclusion, emotional intelligence is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. We prepare students to take tests, apply to colleges, and enter the job market. But we must also prepare them to live, to relate, to lead, and to heal. Making emotional intelligence a required class is not just about boosting grades; it’s about building stronger human beings.