Photo courtesy of co-health and sports editor Sonia McSwain.
If you were to ask students what they thought about San Luis Obispo High School, the reviews would most likely be mixed. Whether it be issues with classes, the numerous construction projects around campus, or the people, students are becoming less enthusiastic about their high school experience.
Expressions sat down with senior Julie Cushing to learn more about the drawbacks of SLOHS that are leaving her, and several others, with a negative impression of high school.
Expressions: Is your problem with SLOHS more geared towards the school itself, the student body, or the teachers?
Senior Julie Cushing: I’d say my problem is with all three. Everybody has their issues with each one personally, but for me, each facet is problematic in some way. The student body is my biggest issue because there are so many divisions and cliques. In my experience, these are based on income. The popular kids are usually the wealthy ones with nice cars and expensive houses, the “normal” kids are usually middle class, and the unpopular kids are usually lower class because they can’t afford to do things. It just shows that even in high school, class divisions exist.
Expressions: Considering you don’t prefer SLOHS, what would you do to change it and make it a more pleasant place to be?
Cushing: Something that bugs me is all the construction. When I was a freshman, construction just started, and now, as a senior, the things they started years ago are nowhere near done. We don’t have a football field, the hallways are cramped, and getting around campus is extremely difficult. The construction gave me the chance to paint a mural, but it doesn’t really cover up the other eyesores around campus.
Expressions: Say you were to drop out of school because you hate it so much, what would your life path look like without a high school degree?
Cushing: I probably would try to get an entry-level job at a nice cafe or a store somewhere, and then work to get a management position. I could also try and take my skills in art and graphic design and try to get freelancing jobs.
Expressions: What can ASB do to be more inclusive of all student populations?
Cushing: I think that the concept of what ASB needs to change. It’s a huge popularity contest where only the popular kids always win spots and create an elitist group that’s super inclusive. You don’t see band kids, theater kids, or kids who aren’t involved in school activities in ASB, so how can ASB be representative of our campus as a whole? I think that ASB needs to be less cringey and more creative when it comes to spirit days or activities so students will actually be interested in their school, which will lead to people being more accepting.
Expressions: What could the school do to promote a more productive learning environment?
Cushing: The school could try not to make classes too stressful or be more mindful of what students have going on. After being online last year, lots of kids are still having a hard time adjusting. As a senior, it’s been stressful to come back but to also deal with college stuff. Teachers should be a little more understanding of people’s at-home situations, as well as try not to load tons of busy work on people.
Cushing’s feelings towards high schools are shared by many students at SLOHS, and without change, people will continue to have a negative attitude towards their campus. Schools should be a place where students feel supported and seen for them to get the most out of their education, but many issues at SLOHS are preventing people from living their best life. Faculty and staff should be more willing to listen to the concerns of students to make school more comfortable for all and to uplift SLOHS as a whole.
