(School of Thought motto by Kinsley Moncman, Art 1 Adv. Parkersburg South High School – 9th grade)
Student introduction: This week’s school of thought is brought to you by Parkersburg South Junior, Tyler Tebay. Tyler is a diligent student in and out of class. Tyler holds a full-time job outside of school, enjoys spending time with his friends, playing occasional video games when his busy schedule allows, and most recent work on the car he just bought.
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Options is an alternative path to graduation for students who may not be able to access the original, traditional path to graduation. This program allows children to graduate on time, and sometimes students are given the opportunity to graduate early if all requirements are met.
Between more and more homework, playing sports and other extracurricular activities, or after-school jobs, it can be difficult, and at times, almost impossible to fall into a trap. Unfortunately, not all bosses, coaches, teachers, etc. understand this.
Personally, I get up at 6 am and get ready, go to school until 3:15 pm, and after that, most days I get to work until about 11 pm. By the time I get home I have something to eat around midnight. Another issue with this is that I can’t magically lie down and fall asleep, so I add another hour or so of fading in, and it seems like once I fall asleep, it’s time to wake up and repeat the next day.
By the time I get home most evenings, I have to choose between a few hours of sleep or doing homework, chores, and other things to do. This doesn’t explain anything I’m already behind on, so it just keeps piling up.
I felt like I was at a crossroads with making it versus not making it to graduation on time. I knew I needed help, so I spoke to a teacher about what to do and they directed me towards my counselor and administrator. I was relieved to find that I could still graduate on time, and from familiarity with the program, the steps the options use are not confusing and help students who are struggling to meet the needs of everyday life. First, you must pass a TABE (Examination of Basic Education for Adults) to move onto the actual options programme. You take the GED test core subjects in the morning and take an elective class in the afternoon. The GED test is divided into 5 sections: Math, Reading, Science, English, and History. There are practice tests available that you can take until you feel comfortable enough to take the official GED. After you have passed all 5 sections, you are no longer required to appear for core classes, you only have to appear for the rest of your electives. When you complete the elective, you graduate with your degree.
I still haven’t decided what I plan to do yet, but as someone who’s late and unsure of the exit path, having options as an option is invaluable. The fact that there is a way to graduate on time, even after some hardships down the road knowing that a program like this is available is huge for students in a similar situation to me. While I am grateful for this program, and give it consideration as I would suggest to anyone in my position, I want to be transparent in giving information and talk about minimal options disadvantages as well. Options gives you the information and education you need to pass the 12th grade level and some “Life Skills.” However, you do get some necessary knowledge used in college if that is the path you want to follow. The only downside I can think of is that you will be intentionally putting yourself in a situation of mild stress by choosing to follow this program. Knowing you have to prepare for five really big exams would stress even the best test-taker — not to mention how mentally exhausted and stressed you can be if you’re not the greatest test-taker.
Overall, this program has more benefits than negatives for someone who’s found themselves left behind and unsure of how to part ways – whatever the reason. Options allow students to work if they need to maintain a work and school schedule, but they struggle to do so. This program also guarantees a pathway to graduation, withstanding constant pressure “Will I succeed or fail?” Far from students who are already concerned about their future. If you feel unsure about your future, or have been left behind, take the time to speak to your school counselors or administrator. She helped me a lot in offering options and creating different plans that fit my situation, I just had to take the initiative to start the conversation and ask for help.