The Myths of High School
“High school is not just about academics; it's about building relationships, having fun, and cherishing all your moments. So, step into high school with an open mind and you will make the best of the 4 years.”
Going into high school, you are bombarded with stories and advice: “High school will be hard”, “You need to act mature from day 1”, and “Figure out your career path early”. But reality hits differently. You have to navigate the halls by yourself and it's a new life. What people don’t tell you is these 4 years are a time for self-discovery and growth. It’s okay not to have everything figured out right away. Remember it’s alright to have setbacks and bumps along the way. Many things like mistakes, academics, and relationships (any kind) may not be how others set them out to be. Over the course of the article that follows, you will hear about the 5 different myths that people offer you about high school, and how, in reality, it’s all different.
Myth #1: The pressure to be perfect looms large. Middle school teachers probably told you, “In high school, there’s no room for errors”, “You can’t repeat the same mistake” or “This won’t fly in high school.”
Reality: Mistakes are common. Mistakes are bound to be made, especially throughout high school. You are navigating high school for the first time, so it's only right if you make mistakes. Don’t get me wrong, not all mistakes may be okay if acknowledgment comes along. However, make them while you are young and in a safe space, because you only grow on the way. Mistakes are a must, because how are you learning for real? Also, while you are in school, you are there for a supported journey, so you can treat mistakes as learning lessons, and not the end of the world.
Myth #2: Teachers implant the idea that the harsh relationships they have with students stem from them preparing students for college where “ teachers won’t care as much.”
Reality: The narrative around student-teacher relationships is mixed. There are teachers with whom a relationship is so strong, that a student sees them as the teacher they can go to about everything. Then there is the student who feels like a teacher “does too much.” In reality, they wouldn’t be where they were if teachers didn't care for real. Mr Kelly said his first professor in college got him his first paying job. So do teachers not care or do our teachers use that as an excuse to justify their relationship with you?
Myth #3: As a student, you must have a clear career path the moment you enter high school.
Reality: When it comes to career decisions, they are a gradual process. While some may have a clear path from the start, others are still exploring options. It’s normal not to have everything figured out immediately, and high school is that time of discovery. Many explore through internships, different subjects, activities, and more. There are valuable resources and guidance counselors who help students on their journeys.
Myth #4: Students are expected to be able to balance personal challenges and academic pressure perfectly. To adults, it’s a part of life, so students must learn to navigate it now.
Reality: Mental health plays a huge role in every aspect of our lives, and high school is no exception. Mental health is especially important as students navigate academic challenges, peer relationships, and personal growth. The reality is that mental well-being is a priority, and it’s normal to not know how to balance it sometimes. In high school, you can be going through a lot as you are becoming older. Seeking support and practicing self-care is important. No adult will get tired of hearing your issues, they help you grow if anything.
Myth #5: Any type of relationship in high school is not important. They may distract you and may never really last.
Reality: Relationships can be your friendships, partners, or anything. These may be a part of your everyday lives. In high school, relationships can take on an added significance, as they shape our social interactions, emotional support, and development. Friendships formed during these four years have the potential to become enduring bonds, moments of remembered laughter, and a forever-shared experience. Romantic relationships can bring connection, understanding, and growth. These connections in some way shape your high school experience. While you should prioritize your responsibilities, maintaining meaningful connections can help make your high school years fun and impactful. Those relationships may last a short while, or they may last forever.
Life before high school, as we can see, is different than life in high school. The only way to know is by experiencing it yourself. Many either hit the experience right on the nail or are way off. No matter the different ideas and myths you hear, you go on your own journey and make high school what it should be for you. High school is not just about academics; it's about building relationships, having fun, and cherishing all your moments. So, step into high school with an open mind and you will make the best of the 4 years.