School Survival


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Why Does School Ruin Everything?

Hey there, fellow school strugglers,

Have you ever found yourself wondering why school feels like such a soul-sucking experience? It's like every day is a battle just to survive the monotony and stress. Well, you're not alone. And guess what? Your feelings are completely valid.

John Holt, a pioneer in alternative education, once said that kids learn best when they are allowed to follow their own interests and passions. But what do we get instead? Endless hours of lectures, worksheets, and standardized tests that crush our creativity and curiosity.

Peter Gray, another advocate for change in education, emphasizes the importance of play in learning. Yet, how much time do we actually get to play in school? It's like they want to suck all the joy out of our lives.

And let's not forget John Taylor Gatto, who boldly declared that the true purpose of schools is not to educate, but to indoctrinate. They want to mold us into obedient workers who don't question authority or think for ourselves.

Do you ever wonder why we spend so much time memorizing facts and figures that we'll probably never use again? Shouldn't education be about more than just regurgitating information for a test? It's disheartening to think that our potential is being reduced to a letter grade on a report card. And what about the constant pressure to excel academically at the expense of our mental and emotional well-being? We're told that our worth is determined by our GPA, leaving little room for self-discovery or personal growth. It's like we're trapped in a never-ending cycle of stress and anxiety.

Have you ever noticed how creativity is often stifled in favor of conformity? We're taught to follow the rules and stay within the lines, rather than think outside the box and challenge the status quo. It's no wonder so many of us feel suffocated by the system.

And let's not forget about the lack of real-world skills being taught in school. Sure, we can solve quadratic equations and analyze Shakespearean sonnets, but how many of us know how to budget our finances or navigate the complexities of interpersonal relationships?

Have you ever felt invisible in a sea of faces, struggling to find your place in a system that seems designed to crush your spirit? It's like our individuality is constantly being overshadowed by the need to conform to societal expectations.

And what about the boredom? How many hours do we spend sitting in class, staring at the clock and counting down the minutes until the bell rings? It's like time stands still in school, dragging on endlessly with no end in sight.

Have you ever questioned why we're forced to learn subjects that have little relevance to our lives or interests? Shouldn't education be about empowering us to pursue our passions and make a difference in the world? It's frustrating to feel like our time and energy are being wasted on meaningless tasks.

And let's not forget the lack of support for students who learn differently or struggle with mental health issues, especially ones caused by school. Instead of providing the resources and accommodations we need to thrive, we're often met with judgment and stigma.

But it's not just the system that's to blame. Laurie A. Couture reminds us that parents play a crucial role in either encouraging or discouraging their kids' natural love of learning. Instead of forcing us to fit into their narrow idea of success, they should be supporting our individual interests and talents.

So, what can we do about it? Well, there are alternatives out there, like self-directed education or online schooling, that give us more freedom to learn on our own terms. Sure, we might not have the legal power to leave school without parental permission, but we do have the power to practice self-kindness and stand up for ourselves whenever we can. Your feelings are valid, and there's nothing wrong with you.

Where to next? Pick one!

Posted in: Blog on March 13, 2024 @ 1:02 AM

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