School is where kids have the opportunity to receive a basic education before entering the real world. However, in this apathetic Gen Z generation, no one cares about school or basic education.

I’ve witnessed the difference between some kids, who come to school eager to learn and receive a diploma upon graduation, and others, who couldn’t care less about their education or grades. It’s terrible to watch how, years ago, students would dress properly every day, with closed shoes, the right clothing, and all the necessary supplies, and be ready to learn. Today, the majority of students believe otherwise. 

Since I started attending classes at Glendale High School, I have noticed that the environment, variety, and culture have changed significantly from when I was in middle and elementary school. High school is a time to think about the future, start planning for what you want to do in life, and evolve into a young adult. However, based on what I’ve seen, a large number of students need to engage in more reflection.

I remember my first day as a freshman. I brought a new backpack and a notepad, and I filled my backpack with nearly everything I had, because it was the first day of school. The strange part is that some students brought only one item with them: their Chromebook. They had no pencil, no paper, not even a snack. My father and I gave them suspicious looks, wondering where they were hiding their remaining supplies.

I understand that, since COVID-19 has occurred, everything has been online, and every teacher uses computer applications in their classrooms. But they should also utilize other resources. 

At the same time, the pandemic has affected the quality of our education, which has gone down from 2018 to 2022. Studies show that our overall test scores have dropped, especially in the Math and English assessments. 

Another weird shift I have seen is the way that the majority of students dress. Every student now wears pajamas to school, which has become a fashion trend. 

I’m sorry, but school is not where you are supposed to relax and rest. That is what your home is for. This is school, where you must learn and receive an education. 

Schools around the world have spirit weeks for various events or themes, and they also have designated days when it is appropriate to wear your pajamas. This is understandable, but it’s not supposed to happen every day. But now in high school, every day is Pajama Day.

Another issue I want to address is how some kids dress inappropriately, while others dress as if they’re going to a banquet. I’m not a fan of the dress code, but there should be a limit on what you should wear. Some high school students, on the other hand, are exceptionally skilled, succeed academically, participate in a variety of extracurricular activities, and still wind up wearing spaghetti straps.

Now, I realize that there are regulations for students to follow, but I feel that every school should require students to bring bags containing all of their necessary resources. And if they arrive at school empty-handed, they should face consequences. Maybe they shouldn’t receive detention or harsh penalties, but at least the administration should make a phone call home to inform their parents of the issue.

A couple of weeks ago during class time, a student showed up with absolutely nothing with him, and my teacher told him to find a pencil and paper and to come to class prepared. That’s exactly what the student did, and it shows the dedication and respect that a teacher wants from his students.

Another important issue to address is how teenagers discreetly consume alcoholic beverages and vape on our school campus. I’ve seen this several times and have been taken aback. 

None of the teachers, staff members or security guards are observing any of these behaviors. All of these students are under the age of 18, hence they are technically considered children rather than adults. 

What makes them believe it’s a good idea to bring these illegal items to school and begin using them? Studies have shown how these items will affect our health, especially as we are growing.  

It’s horrible to watch how some young people are behaving, yet it all might be attributed to their parents’ conduct. At some point, these students may have been swayed or coerced to engage in these harmful activities. That is why I believe schools should come up with strategies to help lead students away from this dangerous behavior.

Aside from all of the problems that students create for themselves, one of the most significant ones is their lack of educational abilities. If you fail a course in high school, you can retake it during the summer or throughout the semester. And it’s disheartening to see how other students, who should be at a higher level than me, fail these courses and have to retake them to progress. Some students may fail because they are unwilling to learn or are negligent, but another reason could be their teachers’ learning style, to which some students may find it difficult to adjust.

All of these conditions occur in high school and are entirely natural. Nonetheless, our administrators and teachers should work together to find a solution, so that the situation does not worsen. 

But again what is the solution? Perhaps getting the students together more often and having more social events at high school?

Nitros, always remember this: your school is where you are learning the essentials; don’t allow anyone to sway your future.