Crossroads

As we are planning our graduation parties, signing yearbooks and finalizing college plans, let’s take a step back and appreciate what is happening class of 2011. We are graduating high school, and before you know it summer will be over and we will be moving on to the ‘real world’. Don’t let senioritis block you from experiencing your last days in high school; let it be a time of reflection. As I look back at my experiences I am humbled by the journey.   

I’ve had a unique experience with my education so far. I have studied under two distinctive school systems - the American and the British (All English medium schools in my hometown were under a British curriculum). I didn’t exactly have a ‘British’ experience though. I have had to cope with an unhealthy political climate, which meant occasional school closures, and that coupled with frequent power outages (which left me studying under the candlelight) and the growth of radical groups threatening to ban education for girls, presented me an environment completely different from most American or British students.

The system under which I studied was rigidly structured, leaving no space for creativity. Therefore, the move to the American education system was challenging at first but I soon caught up. It was the first time I was challenged academically. My first AP class (world history) was the first time I was pushed to think critically, discuss ideas or consider current affairs. It was my intellectual awakening. Therefore, I am overjoyed by the fact that I am now in a society that places value in studying languages, philosophy, history etc.

So my appeal to you, college bound seniors is that you take full advantage of having a more open curriculum in college. Take a dance class, or learn a new language. I know a lot of you are very ambitious and focused, but don’t let the intrinsic value of education fade away. Indulge in education!