If you were to ask me what I picked up in high school, I could easily list off a few amusing tidbits. For instance, I learned the hard way that it’s best to double-check for teachers lurking behind you when you’re doodling a cartoon titled “Super Hero That Is Not Appropriate.” I discovered that asking the cafeteria staff for “salad without lettuce” gets you a lot of raised eyebrows. I also learned that collecting three tardy slips leads to automatic detention. And let’s not forget that my social studies teacher never questioned my need to leave class for “feminine issues.”
But when it comes to actual learning, my recollections are a bit hazy (okay, very hazy). I’d struggle to solve an algebra equation even if it meant a cool $100,000 and a day with my celebrity crush. Sure, I recall dissecting a frog in science class, but mostly due to the unforgettable scent of formaldehyde. And while I can’t remember how to conjugate Spanish verbs, I can definitely still say “who just farted?” — priorities, right?
I must have absorbed something useful since I graduated and even snagged a college scholarship. Yet, looking back, I feel woefully unprepared for the realities of adulthood. There were a few random life lessons sprinkled in health or home economics classes (like “use a condom” and “turn off the oven before leaving”), but considering all the real-world adulting we dive into after school, I wish there had been more focus on practical skills. Here’s what I really could have used:
How to Cook a Decent Meal
I think we whipped up brownies and maybe a soup in seventh grade, but then it was all about sewing pillows — a skill I’ve never needed. I learned to make a decent bowl of ramen in my college dorm, but it took me years to navigate an actual kitchen. The first couple of years of marriage were spent with burnt chicken and Rice-A-Roni. To anyone who ever came for dinner: I’m sorry! I can cook now… sort of.
Nutrition 101 (or Why You’ll Feel Like Trash if You Eat Junk)
We learned about the food pyramid, but it would have been great to have a class titled “Enjoy Taco Bell Now Because Your Metabolism Will Crash after 30.” A more realistic understanding of how nutrition impacts health and weight would have been invaluable.
How to Maintain Your Stuff
Having a house and car sounded fantastic, but I never considered the upkeep involved. Knowing how to change my oil, swap out tires, or tackle basic plumbing issues would have been incredibly useful.
Basic Sewing Skills
While I did learn to sew a pillow, I wish I’d grasped more practical sewing skills — like fixing missing buttons or repairing beloved stuffed animals. If I’d only learned how to hem properly, my son’s first Halloween costume wouldn’t have ended up as a mini dress!
Laundry Basics
As a teen, laundry was a breeze: I handed it to my mom, and she returned it clean. Fast forward to now, and I’m tackling laundry for a family of six. I’ve learned through trial and error that there’s so much more to laundry than just tossing everything together. Knowing what shrinks, what bleeds, and how to tackle stains like permanent marker would have saved me a few wardrobe catastrophes.
Avoiding Financial Pitfalls
Back in my day, we had a week to learn how to balance a checkbook. I’m sure kids today are learning a bit more, but I doubt it’s enough to prepare them for real-life financial challenges. A class on building credit and understanding taxes — because they’re as certain as death — would have been helpful.
Money-Saving Techniques
Let’s face it, many young adults find themselves living on tight budgets at some point. Learning how to stretch a dollar or mastering couponing techniques could have made a huge difference. Guest seminars from extreme couponers or ideas on side hustles would have been a game changer.
Effective Adult Communication
Since we spend so much time interacting with other adults, a course on effective communication would have been beneficial. From negotiating with bosses to chatting up neighbors or dealing with customer service, knowing how to express ourselves clearly can prevent so many awkward situations. Plus, a lesson on constructive arguments with partners might have saved me from launching a cheeseburger at my husband during our early days together (funny story for another time).
If I had been offered these classes in high school, perhaps I’d have started my adult life a bit more equipped. Truth be told, I probably would have daydreamed through them, retaining just enough to pass. After all, at that age, we think 25 is ancient and can’t fathom learning skills we won’t use for years. I know I didn’t.
Ultimately, I was far too busy with important matters like doodling superheroes in class.
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Summary
The author reflects on the practical life skills that high school often overlooks, such as cooking, nutrition, maintenance, sewing, laundry, financial literacy, money-saving techniques, and effective communication. These skills are crucial for navigating adulthood, yet they are rarely taught in school, leaving many ill-prepared for the realities of life after graduation.