Volume 1 No. 3

The Tradesman

May 2007

An Important Choice

By Jenna Gagne, ‘09

You may sometimes think that school is a difficult undertaking, mostly because it is. So why not make things easier on yourself and take lower level classes in next year’s course? There are many reasons why you should try to stay at your level and to push yourself even higher.

School is meant to prepare you for the life of work, using the skills acquired during these four years. The courses you take are recorded and are a part of your life forever. When you’re interviewing for your dream job, whether it be as a construction worker or a dental assistant aid, your records are pulled and judgments are made on how you would perform for the company. I’m sure you’d like the employer to see a well-rounded and well-educated person.

Here at Diman, we have the wonderful opportunity to pick our own levels in classes (honors classes or regular classes). Most people don’t always try to push themselves, but rather coast, having fun throughout high school. But a good option is in place at Diman, so that at any time during the school year, if you’re having a hard time getting through your classes, the guidance counselors are there to help you if you need to transfer into an easier class.

Picking an honors class is probably one of the hardest things to do for someone who’s never been in one before. This is because you probably have doubts that you are smart enough, or that you can push yourself enough. But even trying for an honors class shows determination. Honors classes are not much harder than regular classes, but they do require more on-your-own work and responsibility. The benefits of being in honors classes consist of higher grades, scholarships, recognition, deep satisfaction in yourself and much more. Honors classes get ranked higher too. For example, if you got a B in honors, you would have an A in a regular class. If you know you have the will to do the work, then honors courses might be for you.

Really, there is nothing at all wrong with being in special help classes like integrated and title one, as long as you need the help and aren’t just taking the easy way out. These classes are really helpful and teach the same skills taught in all the other classes, only at a slower pace. If you know you can do better or are told you are capable, then the odds are that you probably are.

The choices you make in high school will mold you for the rest of your life. Now you probably think there are more important things than your school work, and the truth is that some things are. You need to remember that school is half study and half social. But my advice is to treat your school work as you would your closest friends and invest time in both. Try your hardest to succeed will help you accomplish whatever you’d like to get out of life.