What Really is the Purpose of High School?
From seeing a myriad of heads buried in laptops within the dim confines of homeroom classrooms to witnessing classmates participating in extreme multitudes of intensive academic competitions, my four-year journey through high school has revealed to me that, for many, it’s a labyrinth of expectations and pressures. The relentless pursuit of academic achievement and conforming with peers often takes precedence over finding oneself.
For me, however, I’ve gradually discovered the importance of charting my path, understanding my motivations, and setting personal initiatives surrounding my values. It’s a lesson that resonates far beyond the classroom, emphasizing the significance of embracing individuality and pursuing what truly matters to myself.
During these tumultuous high school years, as a humanities student interested in writing, the arts, creative matters, and flexibility, conformity always seemed like the unspoken rule. The pressure to conform to norms—like taking all the AP science courses—and fit into predefined roles was palpable. It was easy to feel lost in a sea of expectations, unsure of who I was and what I wanted. In the face of external pressures, I found solace in understanding my motivations. What fueled my passion? What were my genuine interests and values? These questions became my compass, guiding me through the maze of uncertainties. It became clear that success, for me, wasn’t a standardized measure; it was rooted in authenticity and pursuing what brought me joy.
The prevailing myth of a one-size-fits-all success narrative began to unravel as I embraced my individuality. I chose to defy expectations and pursue my true passions, even if it meant taking the road less traveled. For instance, as an emerging researcher, I have written and presented on both period poverty among adolescents. While presenting initially made me apprehensive, my inner drive to speak out propelled me forward. Surprisingly, my confidence impressed both my teachers and peers. Heartened by the subtle shifts, I refined the former presentation to focus on China’s demographics and our school’s efforts, then delivered it to a group of students from various grades during the Humanities Symposium, many of which I did not know. It became apparent that my voice had resonated beyond my immediate circle.
This journey wasn’t without its challenges. There were moments of self-doubt and setbacks, but each obstacle became a stepping stone towards personal growth. High school, I realized, should be a time of exploration and self-expression. It’s about discovering what makes us unique and using those discoveries to shape our futures. After this revelation, every large assignment suddenly seemed less daunting, and endlessly more enjoyable to work with. I no longer spend long nights mulling over the seemingly unclear future where all that seems to matter is “college.” It was when I finally followed my heart and put my personal touch on these projects when I felt them come to life, and when I simultaneously felt myself feel alive again for the first time in incredibly long.
Educators and schools play a pivotal role in fostering an environment that encourages individuality. Rather than stifling creativity with rigid expectations, there should be a celebration of diversity and a recognition that success takes various forms. High schools should be hubs for self-discovery, where students feel empowered to express themselves authentically. It’s time for high schools to be more than academic institutions; they should be platforms for self-discovery and personal triumph.
These experiences of mine are telltale of a broader journey that high schoolers all go through; it’s just that perhaps not all of them have found the said “purpose” yet. As I followed the voice in my head and the values that fueled my passions, I also learned the indispensable lesson of staying true to myself. The maze of high school, once overwhelming, became a landscape of opportunities for personal growth and resilience. I encourage all high school students to do the same: some self-reflection, or perhaps ponder over what’s really driving you—life is so much more gentle when a sturdy identity and paralleling passion have your back.
“Finding Your Identity,” Alice Wellinger