There is A LOT to learn from adolescence to young adulthood. High school attempts to prep us for college, but what about what isn’t explained? What about life after college? High school should teach “Life 101” going over the basics of how to adult. Here are some suggestions on what high school should have taught us.
*The logistics are not included of how to execute these suggestions. They are simply reflections of what a few college students wish high school had taught them.*
Taxes 101:
How do taxes work? What is a W-4 form? What information do I need to provide? Where do I file this? When tax season rolls around, it can be a scary and overwhelming process. Taxes are a compulsory part of American life that the government uses to pay for stuff society needs, but cannot afford individually. Since taxes are mandatory, there should be a class on them!
Love Your Body:
High school is a confusing time of discovering who you want to be and where you belong. Loving yourself while trying to do this can be a challenge. By having a body positivity class on breaking stereotypes, students could work on building up themselves and others in a respectful way.
Cosmetology Basics:
Makeup! Contour! Stippling! Balayage! On Fleek! What does it all mean? Beauty 101 would begin by teaching principles of loving you, but would also instruct students on how to navigate the world of makeup.
Insurance:
Auto, life, health, homeowners, disability, umbrella. What are all these types of insurance policies and why do people need them?
Sexual Health:
This should cover SO much more than a condom on a banana. What about reproductive rights, LGBTQA+ people, identity, sex for pleasure, chromosomes, anatomy, methods of birth control and emotional relations.
Sensitivity Training (aka: Stop Bullying):
Each person has their own path they are walking through life, different thoughts, interpretations and reasoning. Empathy toward people from a point of deeper understanding may help eliminate hurt that we see in the world. Just listening and believing in someone is huge.
Self-defense:
There is a saying on college campuses: When a guy goes to college, he gets a box of condoms. When a woman goes to college, she gets a can of pepper spray.
There are many types of aggression toward people and college-age women are especially vulnerable. Before college comes, girls should be taught self-respect, discipline and basic self-defense skills.
Networking:
This. Is. Important. Networking is a huge part of finding a job after college. The connections you make could lead to opportunities in the future.
How to Budget:
When money from FAFSA and other student loans roll in, it can make people feel rich, but this is a fleeting notion. All that money has to be repaid and with interest! Teaching financial responsibility and planning early on could benefit everyone!
Car Basics:
Cars are money-sucking machines. Gas, repairs, tires, washer fluid, oil, and brake pads…the list is never-ending! Knowing basic car care, how to make payments, and what to look for when investing in one are all helpful things to know.
Think of any other classes you wish high school taught? Comment below!