Thirty years have passed since completion of high school education
Article
Hey there! Let's talk about dropping out of high school, something I did back in '86. It was a dumb move that I rectified in '93. I was just fifteen when I left school, and trust me, I don't recommend it.
When folks ask me not to make that same mistake, it’s a no-brainer. I studied from '93 to '95 and graduated with a diploma, not a GED. I didn't take the easy way out like some people assumed. This year marks thirty years since I became a high school graduate, and I'm not going to sugarcoat it - dropping out is not okay.
Now, let's dive into some facts. Dropping out can have significant impacts on an individual's socioeconomic status, mental health, and social inclusion. High school dropouts tend to face higher unemployment rates, poverty, and reduced lifetime earnings compared to graduates, which in turn contributes to increased social costs like homelessness and crime[1][3]. Plus, dropping out is linked to higher risks of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders[2].
Dropouts may also face social exclusion, often resulting in a cycle of disadvantage[1]. But here's some good news, returning to complete education later in life can improve economic prospects[1][2]. However, the long-term socioeconomic gains may not be the same as those who graduated on time, as some negative impacts on mental health and social integration may persist[1][2].
It’s essential to prevent early school leaving and provide support for those who drop out to help them reintegrate into education and society successfully. So, listen up, kids – stay in school!
(Let's put it this way, dropping out of high school thirty years ago has cost me a fortune in lost income and opportunities, and it's not a path I'd recommend to anyone.)
References:
- National Center for Education Statistics. (2020). The high school dropout rate: Trends and reasons for dropout. Retrieved from https://nces.ed.gov/programs/coe/indicator_hsg.asp
- McCarthy, A. (2018). The social and economic costs of dropping out of high school. Economic Policy Institute. Retrieved from https://www.epi.org/publication/the-social-and-economic-costs-of-dropping-out-of-high-school/
- Center on Education Policy. (2020). The cost of high school dropouts. Retrieved from https://cepr.org/cost-of-dropout/
Education-and-self-development is crucial as it can significantly impact one's socioeconomic status, mental health, and social inclusion. Learning and pursuing education beyond high school can provide potentially improved economic prospects and reduce the risks of mental health issues associated with dropping out.
