What Does Schooling Do For Our Future?

By: Medha Annam

It’s 6am.

You wake up, and get ready through drowsy eyes.

You step onto the bus, or car, or whatever it may be. 

You’re at school now. 

But why?

Is it truly necessary?

Well, it might not be. According to the University of the People, some believe that school teaches subjects that do not apply to the students’ future. For example, being taught science when you want to go into business may seem quite irrelevant. Students may also not be able to get the hands-on experience they would need for the real world.

However, education also allows for opportunities and more jobs in the future. Schooling also helps sharpen one’s social skills and other soft skills, such as problem-solving, collaboration, and focus. Schools also can allow students to explore their interests, and truly decide their path. (Photo to the right is from Seek).

According to Penn Forester, in 2023, 39% of jobs required a high school diploma. However, if you're looking to get a job right out of high school,  Penn Foster states that passing your classes would be enough. However, if you plan on going to college, your grades will matter a bit more, and it is important to maintain decent grades. 

So keeping this in mind, how does high school impact your future? Well, it may not give you the specialized learning you would need for a specific career, however getting an education does increase your chances of getting jobs, and also gaining skills that will help you in the future. Good high school grades will also allow you to enter into colleges specialized in your field.

School can also enhance your education through clubs related to your interests, and by informing you of career-based opportunities. 

Overall, while school can be difficult, it is important to remember the why. With school work, you gain skills that will prepare you for adult-life and give you more opportunities. If you feel like school is not giving you enough opportunities, look online for some or find ways to gain that hands-on experience yourself. 

Maybe 90% of what you learn in school is a waste, but maybe it’s not. Maybe the learning comes indirectly, through trial and error. Perhaps it’s time we focus less on the errors, and focus more on the learning from it.