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School Makes Me Feel Exhausted
School. Just saying the word makes me feel drained, like all the energy has been sucked out of me. Every morning, it's the same routine: wake up, drag myself to class, sit through hours of mind-numbing lectures, and then repeat it all over again the next day. And for what? Supposedly to prepare me for the real world, but all it feels like is a never-ending cycle of stress and exhaustion.
John Taylor Gatto once said that the true purpose of schools is not to educate, but to indoctrinate. He believed that the education system was designed to mold us into obedient workers, to teach us to follow orders without question. And looking around at my classmates, it's hard not to see his point. We're taught to regurgitate information rather than think critically, to memorize facts instead of exploring our passions.
Peter Gray, on the other hand, emphasizes the importance of play in learning. He argues that children learn best when they're given the freedom to explore and experiment, to play and make mistakes. But in school, there's no room for play. It's all about conformity and meeting arbitrary standards set by someone else.
In school, we're constantly told what to do, when to do it, and how to do it. There's little room for autonomy or self-direction, leaving us feeling powerless and stifled.
The amount of homework and assignments piled on us can feel crushing at times. It's like a never-ending avalanche of tasks, leaving us with little time to rest or pursue our own interests.
From standardized tests to grades, there's immense pressure to constantly perform at a high level. The fear of failure looms over us like a dark cloud, adding to our stress and anxiety.
Sitting through hours of lectures on topics that don't interest us is downright soul-crushing. It's hard to stay engaged when the material feels irrelevant and dull.
School can be a breeding ground for social anxiety and peer pressure. Trying to fit in, navigate social hierarchies, and deal with bullies can be emotionally exhausting.
With large class sizes and overworked teachers, it's easy to feel overlooked and ignored. Getting the support and guidance we need feels like an uphill battle.
Waking up early, rushing to get ready, and then spending the entire day in a structured environment can feel suffocating. There's little flexibility to adapt to our own natural rhythms and preferences.
Instead of focusing on actually learning and understanding the material, the emphasis is often placed on getting good grades. This leads to a superficial understanding of topics and a lack of genuine curiosity.
Much of what we're taught in school feels disconnected from the real world. It's hard to see the practical application of calculus or memorizing historical dates, leaving us feeling disillusioned and unprepared for life outside the classroom.
The combination of long hours, mental strain, and lack of physical activity can take a toll on our health and well-being. We end up feeling physically drained and mentally foggy, making it even harder to stay motivated and engaged.
So why does school make me feel so exhausted? Because it goes against everything that comes naturally to me. It stifles my curiosity, crushes my creativity, and drains me of all motivation. Instead of feeling excited to learn, I feel trapped and suffocated.
Laurie A. Couture speaks to the role of parents in all of this. She believes that parents should be supporting their children's interests and passions, not forcing them into a one-size-fits-all education system that does more harm than good. Instead of pushing us to excel in subjects we have no interest in, parents should be encouraging us to pursue our passions, whether that's through self-directed education, online schooling, or other alternative paths.
To my fellow students who feel like school is sucking the life out of them, know that your feelings are valid. You are not alone in this struggle, and there's nothing wrong with you. The education system may be broken, but that doesn't mean you are. Keep pushing forward, keep seeking out alternatives, and never stop fighting for your right to learn in a way that nourishes your mind and soul.
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- Check out the Alternatives to School section
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Posted in: Blog, Questions on March 1, 2024 @ 5:47 PM
Tags: mental health
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