High School- beneficial or a bandaid

So here you are, standing on the edge of the stage.

Waiting to hear your name, shake hands, and receive a piece of paper stating you made it through the easiest part of your life.

That's right, you heard me.

In high school, you realize that EVERY was sugar coated. Oh you forgot to turn a paper in? Just turn it in the next day for a couple points marked off. Forgot your lunch? just borrow some money and pay it later.

I went to a conservative, public, predominantly white school. Farming is a big deal in this side of PA. Conservative teachers, conservative administrators, conservative students. Vicious cycle, huh?

I can easily sit here and tell you I learned nothing of value in high school. Sure, I know the quadratic formula, Einsteins theories, and how to write a synopsis.

Why did I never learn how to balance a check book? Or anything about our president and today's challenging economy? The importance of bills? How to study? ( I really don't understand that one, because as a sophomore in college, you think I would've learned that by now)

Yes, I learned the basics. I took advanced placement history and english classes. But there are SO many options out in the world and we all have so much potential.

What do you think? Is what I'm saying making sense?

I craved more experience in high school. I wanted to see things, participate, and grow. I had this idea that after I graduated this would be EASY.

 can you believe that? me either.

I faced multiple challenges with school, failed a few classes, drank too much, and lost sight of who i was.

Instead of GLORIFYING the graduation of high school, we SHOULD be giving the students hard helmets saying "brace for impact."

Okay, I bet you're thinking "she's 19. what the hell does she know?" I'm growing, each and every day. The past experiences that I've had have been a nightmare. But what doesn't kill, heals and leaves some pretty interesting battle scars.

Maybe I'm ahead of my time. yes, but I wish I would've been better prepared.

I'm dying to hear some of your thoughts,

xo

Love.

WHAT IS LOVE?

Time and time again i tried the dating game with guys my age.

 I was never asked out on any dates, but it was expected that i drive to THEIR house and be put in a more than awkward situation. 

Where was the famous "guy drives to the girls house, picks her up, and meets her parents?" Where's the flowers? The dinner and a movie concept? The stuff a girl spends her day planning for? 

Times are changing, and not for the better. Sure, I've given boys a chance. But looking for love is out of the question. 

But that advice is easier to say than do. We have this fantasy that our love lives are going to be like Jack and Rose or John or the Notebook. Maybe even the Twilight stars, Edward and Bella. So how do we stop ourselves from looking for love? 

But you see ladies and gentlemen, love cannot be found at a college frat party with tons of booze. Love is much more than that and should be treated as such. 

We are influenced by the world around us and I hope that all of you reading realize a boy should never be the sole reason for any of your happiness. Life is much more than that. 

If you choose to love, love yourself first and foremost. Accept who you are and love yourself for it. And after you do that, love what is inside of you. Because you ARE worth it. 

I ask you to realize that love is not a fake or passive thing. 

XO-

Mae King.