https://coronadoexplorer.com/6993/showcase/do-schools-prepare-students-for-adult-life/#

As graduation approaches, the daunting adult life—responsibilities, independence—peeks from behind the curtain, leaving many students wondering a common, unsettling question: “Are we truly ready for adult life?” To answer this question—or at least shine some clarity onto Seniors and Juniors’ preparation for the future, we’ve interviewed upperclassmen about how they felt when it came to the upcoming possible challenges or freedom that came with graduating High School. Their responses were mixed, ranging from anxiety, apprehension, and fear of the unknown to excitement, confidence, and interest. 

Before we examine the students’ opinions and viewpoints, let us first address the curricula required in schools that teach independence and other skills that assist young adults in navigating life. Taking a look at California’s A-through-G requirements, including two years of History/Social Science, four years of English Literacy, three to four years of Mathematics, two to three years of Laboratory Science, two to three years of a Language Other Than English, a year of Visual and Performing Arts, and finally, a year of College Preparatory Elective. None of these requirements fulfills the duty of teaching students how to manage their lives later on, past just school life. 

Now, in some schools (not all), according to a fellow Junior at Santiago High School, Ethan and our sports editor, Izzy, offer helpful courses like Financial Algebra, which would be a “great resource to learn from [Financial Algebra]”, but mainly “only available to seniors”. Another excellent course (not a required course) is recommended by Izzy: AVID. “A great program to start [advice for younger students as preparation for adult life]”. 

On the subject of finance: according to our upperclassmen, Leanna, Jacob, Jackie, Isabella, and several others who wish to remain anonymous, the main worry about being an adult is the financial aspects. When asked the question, “What part of being an adult worries you the most?”, the majority of the students answered something along the lines of the following quotes:
“The idea of taxes seems daunting; like keeping up with payments and stuff feels difficult.”

“Money. Finance stuff, like making money [paying taxes]” — Leanna

“I am worried about the financial aspects, like taxes.” — Jackie 

“How to save money.” 

“I do not feel comfortable with taxes at all.” — Isabella.  

If there is one thing upperclassmen are confident in, it’s solving for X. Unfortunately for them, adulthood rarely asks them to do so. What it asks of them is the ability to understand taxes, how to invest, pay rent, understand insurance, budget and manage money, and cook nutritious meals for themselves, not just instant noodles. And these necessities are precisely what students lack knowledge of, and feel unprepared for. 

One senior (Leanna) quoted, “I would prefer if schools taught students this. [referring to laundry, cooking, medical stuff, transportation, and other day-to-day chores.]” Another senior by the name of Kenna quoted, “Most of my skills [regarding to homelife chores such as cooking and cleaning or other daily tasks] weren’t taught to me by school but by my parents and I’ve noticed a lot of students don’t have a grasp on how to cook or clean along with not understanding basic finance.”, after stating her perspective on how a Home Economic or Finance class would be beneficial for students moving into adulthood. 

Moving on to another essential aspect of adult life: Are students mentally or emotionally ready to handle the independence, freedom, and stress of responsibility? Are students receiving sufficient mental health support? Well, the answer might be more complicated than you’d think. Multiple upperclassmen we’ve interviewed claimed some of the following: 

“I think maybe, there are a lot of resources, but the problem comes whether or not the student is [willing] to reach out to those resources.” — Ellie 

“I think they don’t have enough. There are a lot of awareness nowadays—thankfully… but a lot of people take it for granted.” — Jackie.

“I had a lot of support, but the school couldn’t really solve a lot of my issues that were going on.” — Joseph. 

“We get a good amount of support.” — Ethan. 

Overall, this study aimed to reveal Santiago High School students’ perspectives on how the school prepares them for the real world. Some excellent advice was given by seniors and juniors to younger underclassmen to learn from: 

“I am able to handle my… independence as it’s something I’ve been working on for a while…. My stress  on the other hand likes to go all over… but I’ve learned to control it by practicing mental health through rest, activities [she enjoys] and more.” — Kenna “When they [students] have time, work on an activity(ies) you enjoy… where you are overly exhausted from school, social life or family, then take some time to rest.” 

“Don’t let it seem like this big bad monster [adulthood and growing up].. You’ll get there, and when you eventually go off on your own path, you’ll be ready.” — Ethan. 

“Be yourself, if people think you’re crazy, you’re doing something right” — Joseph 

“Be calm, don’t rush into things. Be confident.” 

Ultimately, the question of whether schools prepare students for adulthood isn’t simple. Mixed reactions and answers from the article prove this—no answer can be sure. But there is one thing these upperclassmen can agree on: Schools should make a class targeted to teach finances (investments, banking, stocks, how to budget/save, etc). Many students recommend a course called Finance Literacy. 

That may be unclear. But what is clear is that today’s teenagers, soon to be adults, are highly aware of the challenges ahead, whether they’ve become independent themselves or relied on the school education system—and they’re ready for the tools to face them. Or at least they won’t face it entirely alone. While traditional academics remain essential, students are asking for something more: real-world readiness. As long as they continue to support one another, seek resources, speak up about their needs, and are prepared to learn and step out of their comfort zones, the transition into adulthood may feel somewhat less intimidating. After all, as many upperclassmen reminded us, growing up isn’t a sudden leap—it’s a gradual step forward.