Over the course of high school, many students look forward to the act of going to college because it provides them with a sense of freedom.
While in high school, many kids countdown to their final moment of walking across that big stage during graduation for loads of reasons, which could be the ¨I did it¨ moment, new opportunities or for most, heading to college. College represents a lot for all students, but for many it is more to them than just their education, but the shift toward independence and self discovery.
One way college provides more freedom than high school is that it allows for more flexibility when it comes to students’ education. Many high schools adhere to a strict schedule when it comes to their start times and turn-in policies, and that can be difficult for busy high school students when it comes to outside activities such as jobs, clubs and sports. Many high students complain about this because they feel as though they are unable to stay on top of all these tasks but cannot afford to give up on things in their personal lives.
For example, senior Brianna Tolbert said that she is looking forward to college because with her job outside of school she is not able to finish homework most nights due to being so exhausted. With the newfound freedom she will have in college she will be able to pick between morning, afternoon and night classes that will make it easier to work around her personal schedule and education.
Another example of the anticipation for college would be the freedom to pursue whatever career, clubs or organizations students want. In high school, students are typically tasked with taking five core classes such as English, math, etc., which they are not allowed to pick between and two electives. In college, you can pick from loads of classes that pertain to your interests.
With this, students are more likely to enjoy going to their classes, make an effort in their studies and pay attention in class.
¨With my busy schedule, I haven’t been able to pursue my hobby of baking, which I want to one day make a career,¨ senior Anthony Olayiwola said.
He said this conveys how college provides freedom because you are able to join classes, clubs and organizations that align with your interests, which would allow for him to spend more time perfecting his craft.
Furthermore, another reason seniors are excited about the prospect of college is because of the self-discovery they are able to embark on. Many high school students feel like school can be restricting when it comes to self-discovery due to the small social circles, pressures to fit in and not wanting to be judged.
However, with college bringing together people of different backgrounds, cultures and ethnicities, it allows students to meet new people, explore different perspectives, share common interests and even make new ones.
Senior Sebastian Brewer said he is not worried about attending college alone.
¨It’ll give me the opportunity to figure out myself while entering adulthood through classes, clubs and more,” he said.
He said this shows how college will allow for self-discovery because it can expose you to new ideas in classes, find your interest in clubs and challenge yourself.
In conclusion, college gives some people a way to escape and become someone better than what they once were. It provides the path to freedom, which allows them to become responsible, independent and discover themselves.
