Unfortunately, in our generation, school isn't very popular and many students don't enjoy it. What a shame. Don't they realize what a blessing the chance of getting an education is?
Our generation is losing their work ethic and is in need of a serious wake-up call. I feel like we no longer take full responsibility for our actions, especially when it comes to recognizing the blessings of receiving an education and taking full advantage of that.
Perhaps some people just don't realize how important it is to get a good education. Grades really do mean more than either a parent's approval or disapproval, or if you are temporarily grounded or rewarded. Especially now, in our current economic slump, it is so important to receive a good college education in order to get a good job, and in order to do that, one must start in high school.
I know we are all teenagers and we're hormonal, unpredictable, blah, blah, blah. We can still grow up and take responsibility by studying hard and making the most out of high school. Everyone wants to be the next superstar and NBA player, but let's face it; only a select few will get that coveted title. The rest of us will be forced to face reality, which more often than not is a little harder than playing basketball for a few hours. Consequently, paying attention in school, doing your OWN work and putting forth a little more effort than just "showing up" is a great start to a more realistic career, which is always a great backup plan.
The things I see teens do daily make me question if they realize how truly blessed they are to be receiving an education like this. Nowadays it is pretty much normal to see kids looking at each others' papers, whispers spreading throughout the room as soon as the teacher walks out. Do you see something wrong with this? I do. It is wrong and disrespectful. It is called cheating or, in other words, lying. It is dishonest as well as degrading to one's self and one's peers. It is also disrespectful in regard to the people who do not have the chance to receive an education due to lack of funds, time or just plain danger.
Many teens don't realize how lucky we are to be able to go to school in a safe place, pretty much free of worldly dangers, and receive an amazing education; however, it is up to us to take advantage of that.
We also sometimes fail to realize the great people who offer their services to put up with us five days out of the week. We as a society need to be more respectful and courteous to our teachers. Can you imagine dealing with hundreds of hormonal, grumpy teenagers' day in and day out? I couldn't do it, and I don't know how many other people could either. It takes an extremely patient and kind person to put up with us, because believe it or not, we can really act like brats sometimes.
Time in school, or at home, seems like it is often spent verbally abusing the teacher rather than just doing the work. I am guilty of this as I'm sure other people are as well. But, can I tell you how sick I am of listening to student after student speak horribly about a teacher? From blaming them for their current C- to calling them disgusting names just because the teachers refused to put up with their bad attitudes, students often find nothing wrong with themselves, rather it's always the teacher's fault.
Grow up. It's not the teachers' job to get along with you; rather it is your job to get along with them. They are the adult and you are the child. No matter how wrong it seems they may be (and sometimes they are wrong) you are still required to show respect,.
This careless attitude many high school students have has got to end. I'm pretty sure that the boyfriend who just dumped you or the latest drama going on in your group of friends won't last for 10 years, whereas your education will. Not only will it have a huge impact on the rest of your life, how seriously you take it will affect how you later live on your own.
Granted, not all kids are like this, but sometimes the bad outweigh the good. Let's all try to be a little more respectful and take responsibility by making the most out of this incredibly wonderful opportunity we have to receive such an education.
Lynette Randall is a junior at Clearfield High School. E-mail her at climber174@yahoo.com.
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