The High School Class That Became Valuable in Real Life: A Seoer's Perspective
Growing up, there are certain high school classes that we label as 'useless' or seemingly unnecessary. However, life has a way of proving us wrong. In this article, I'll explore how one such class evolved to become exceptionally useful in adulthood, particularly in the realms of financial planning, stress management, and emotional intelligence.
The Evolution of a High School Course
Do you remember that high school class that you barely attended and thought was a waste of time? For me, that class was an easy-mark elective that turned out to be one of the most valuable lessons in life. It taught me financial management, budget planning, and the importance of handling life's challenges through meaningful conversations and support networks.
Latin: The Language of Learning
One of the often overlooked 'useless' classes was Latin. As my knowledge of Latin has expanded, I've realized that it serves as a foundation for many English words, especially those for expressing complex ideas. My understanding of complex concepts often benefits from this linguistic background. For instance, when discussing advanced topics in technology, business, or law, I often find that the technical vocabulary used is rooted in Latin. Although I may not use it daily, the knowledge remains valuable, much like the Pokémons I kept hidden in my pocket, reappearing in moments of need.
An Unexpected Journey: Comm Tech and Independent Learning
Another class that seemed pointless at the time but turned out to be quite beneficial was Comm Tech, a course in graphic design that I stumbled upon primarily because of a physical impairment that prevented me from taking gym. This class marketed itself as a fun and engaging way to explore digital art, and much to my surprise, I enjoyed it immensely. The class was easy, but it offered a unique experience that was both relaxed and productive.
Initially, I was in a small independent learning classroom where each student pursued their own interests. This structure allowed me to work through the entire course in a week if I wanted to. However, the class wasn't just for leisure. It included students who had failed courses or needed extra credit to graduate. This influx of diverse backgrounds made the class dynamic and entertaining. We often used class time to chill and goof around, and our teacher wasn't too strict either. He let us know that as long as we completed the course and scored at least a 50, we could pass.
The class size was so small that he didn't need to be too professional. This informality was refreshing and made the atmosphere relaxed. Some students were "bad kids" who had failed numerous courses due to poor life choices. Yet, their stories were often funny and enlightening. They would share tales of past legal troubles or youthful indiscretions, which we would often laugh about. The teacher himself didn't care much about professionalism and would tell us stories from his life, making the learning experience more personal and relatable.
Lessons Learned and Value Added
Surprisingly, the courses in this independent learning class were not entirely useless. In fact, they were incredibly valuable. The first course was on health, which taught me how to maintain a healthy lifestyle, a crucial skill that has stayed with me throughout my adult life. The second course was about careers and employment, providing insight into the job market and the skills needed to succeed.
Conclusion: The Power of Life's Experiences
Life is full of unexpected experiences that can transform our perception of what is 'useless.' Whether it’s mastering financial planning, coping with stress, or gaining valuable insights from a relaxed learning environment, these experiences shape us into better adults. So, the next time you're tempted to dismiss a high school class as 'useless,' consider giving it a second chance. You never know what valuable lessons await you.