Every day is made up of numerous paths and opportunities to choose whether or not to make it a great day. Monday through Friday, we, as students, have the choice to be active in classes or to just ‘show up.’ With approximately three months remaining, many seniors have developed what most refer to as ‘senioritis.’ Because a multitude of seniors have already been accepted to college, they feel as if their high school days are already over. As a result, seniors use this well-known disease as an excuse to get out of working to their full potential for the rest of the school year. In order to graduate, however, students need to stay on track; absences must be kept to a minimum while grades must remain above average. Although it may seem difficult, we’ve worked too hard to get this far, so why stop now?
Recent statistics from the New Jersey Department of Education website show that New Jersey had a dropout rate of 1.7% in June of 2010. In November of 2011, CNN’s reporter, Fareed Zakaria, noted, “Twenty-five percent of Americans that start high school do not graduate.”
Poor attendance, failing in school, becoming a parent, and classes not being interesting are some of the most common reasons why students dropout as frequently as they do. Even though it may seem difficult, there are many ways you can help your classmates stay in school. Being a positive, motivated student will give your peers someone to look up to. Also, volunteering to tutor those who need some extra help can make a big difference. Participating in student activities is another fun and easy way to help build school spirit and lower the dropout rate.
In order to be successful, the footsteps leading to your destination must be in the right direction. According to the National High School Center website, “One high school student drops out every 9 seconds, which is approximately 7,000 students every single school day.” Even if it means waking up earlier than usual, make sure you eat breakfast and invest a good night’s rest so that you may be prepared for school. Doing so will allow you to work to your full potential every day and as a result, you will reach your goals. Whether your goal is to graduate, to be exempt from finals, or just pass, give every day your all!