As I write this post in my first period class at my school during my spare time, I realize that I am fortunate. While my school is mainly pro-student rights, I realize that there are some schools that are ageist and barbaric in their policies.

This must change. Students are in school for nearly eight hours a day, coming close to the normal workday. If you add it up, a student is in school for about 40 hours a week, sometimes against his will, and not receiving any monetary compensation.

Some might say, “Oh. They shouldn’t be paid. Attending school is preparing them for the future workforce.”

Okay… That’s all good and all, but what about the students who have no desire at all to become a scientist, a PE coach, or a mathematician?

Don’t get me wrong. I understand the numerous benefits and advantages of taking English classes, math classes, science classes, and all of the other classes. In fact, I enjoy learning about such topics, and I find it practical in my day-to-day life.

The ordinary person has to have a high school-level understanding of English to be successful in the work force and everyday life. You may not need a high school-level understanding of math, but you do have to know how to add, subtract, divide and multiply. With social studies and science classes, that might be a bit harder to explain, but they are still valuable. When you understand topics better, you sound like you know what you are talking about - intelligent.

However, since not all students want to take such subjects, all schools should offer classes that prepare these students for a career after school. Career management and classes practical to these students must be available.

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