How to Lead Our Future Students by Ryleigh

How to Lead Our Future Students by Ryleigh - November 2021 Scholarship Essay

Although there are many great, information filled classes in all levels of schooling, there are still some that should be shown more to students. Children in elementary may not get as much art exposure, students in junior high might not get that many chances to study music, and high schoolers may not get to learn how to ‘adult’ after they graduate. There are many classes that can be incorporated into students’ school careers to better prepare them for life after school, and to help figure out what their interests are.
First, elementary school students are still very early into getting comfortable with their new schedules, learning environments, and they are just starting to figure out who they are. I believe that in elementary school, there should be many more chances for students to expand with their creativity. At such a young age, their minds are filled with ideas that can be used to create wonderful things. If a student is able to explore their mind through arts and music, they may learn a lot about themselves and what they’re interested in. This can help further form what they want to do with their lives, and get them on track to take more classes that appeal to them in the future.
Junior high is a tough few years for almost any child. They are just beginning to truly stick with their interests. Whether that be a sport (or sports), their interest in the arts, or just staying focused on their academics. Junior high students should definitely have more class options for common interests. If they are finding that they are interested in sports, there should be a ‘beginners sports psychology’ class that teaches them the importance of mental health and sports. If they find they are interested more in the arts, offer a class that shows students future jobs in the field. Or if they are mainly focused on their academics, offer study halls/groups, or find ways to incorporate clubs like sports do. At this age, students are starting to form who they are, so schools should allow them to further their education in what they want to learn.
Finally, high school; the final four years of their required education. These years are crucial in forming to student’s likeness to their lives. In high schools, I would love to see optional, as well as required, financial and life skill classes. Many students when they graduate are still not sure how to file taxes, look for housing, make a budget, get a job, along with many other things. If schools made these classes an option or even required, they would better prepare students for the ‘real world’ where they will not always have someone to tell them what they’re supposed to be doing. Students have gone for 12 plus years with deadlines, instructions and instructors on how to do their work, and they will need structure to be able to be successful without that.
If schools would be able and/or willing to incorporate even one of these classes per level of school, it would majorly allow for students to figure out who they are, what they want to do, and help them be successful. Going through school and being young can be very stressful, and having outlets like these can ease the stress once you are close to graduating.