When thinking of high school, most people think of the four years that they will build friendships, develop relationships, and learn lots. Well, not me. When I walked in the doors, I thought, “Let’s get these four years done the fastest I possibly can,” and at the beginning of this school year, I decided to make it three years. I had major senioritis and couldn’t stand thinking that I’d be trapped in these walls for more than a year. I felt like I was just ready to start being an adult and working at a job full time. I almost felt as if I was a 30-year-old stuck in a 16-year-old’s body, and I’m sure I’m not the only one that feels like this. Graduating early is a great option for kids who feel the same way as me.
When walking through the halls, there’s a difference in the maturity levels of students, even if they’re in the same grade or the same friend group. For me, I’ve always wanted to start a life and get school over with, so much so that I chose a career that I wouldn’t even have to go to college for. Ever since I was little, I have always known what I wanted to do with my life, even if it ends up being a side job someday.
During my first quarter as a junior (this year), I felt like staying in high school was just pulling me away from a headstart on my future. Don’t get me wrong, I truly do love going to school, and the teachers and administrators here are fantastic, but at some point, actual life needs to matter more than going to school. Many students agree that they haven’t learned anything new since freshman year except a little math. So, unless one is going to school or having a future job revolving strictly around math, the last few years are pretty pointless.
In two years, I was able to take four years of foreign language and get the Seal of Biliteracy, and in three years and just a few online classes here and there, I can graduate with honors while being in four-plus sports while in high school. I would describe myself as a pretty average student, so if I can do it, so can many others.
One thing that was a concern with graduating high school a year early was that I would miss out on doing my final year of sports and activities, but for me, jumping ahead was more important than that. On the other hand, for some student-athletes, going in my direction isn’t a good idea if they are trying to get recognized by a college or such, but for me, that didn’t matter in my case. I still got my senior night for my activities, and I don’t feel like I missed out on anything besides one more prom and homecoming that I dread going to anyway. What I’m trying to get across is that if one feels going to school is just a waste of time like I did, they should consider graduating a year early and getting a headstart on the future.
