I’m a university student, and I support the return of Grade 13. Here’s why
Posted on May 21, 2022 in Education Debates
Source: TheStar.com — Authors: Taryn Herlich
TheStar.com – Opinion/Contributors
May 20, 2022. By Taryn Herlich, Contributor
Many Grade 12 students feel lost, with no clue of what they want to pursue as a career or in university. An extra year will help them prepare.
If someone were to ask me four years ago if I would be interested in taking Grade 13, I would have laughed in their face. I wanted out the moment I crossed the Grade 12 finish line.
If you were to ask me today, however, my answer would differ. As an older sister, I encourage my siblings to take an extra year to pause and think about what they want.
Today, the proposal by Liberal Leader Steven Del Duca to temporarily give Ontario’s students the option to complete Grade 13 has my full support.
Why? A great portion of Grade 12 students feel completely lost, with no clue of what they want in a career, let alone university major. I see absolutely no shame in taking a year to reflect and review your options and interests. University is neither cheap nor easy — why rush into it if you’re not emotionally or financially ready?
Many of us jump headfirst into post-secondary education with little clue of what we truly want. We lack an awareness that we gain later on. The transition can be a significant adjustment, especially for those living away from home. It is a change that not everyone is ready for, and many face extensive mental health challenges because of this. They suddenly experience a workload they have never encountered, and a new sense of loneliness, pressure and confusion. While many thrive in university, a substantial number feel as though they are drowning. I believe Grade 13 could help prevent such issues.
A survey conducted by Monster Canada found just over half of working Canadians regret their choice of degree or diploma. This makes sense, considering the young age we’re asked to make such an important decision.
University applications seem to spring upon you in Grade 12, and many feel rushed to make a choice that feels so important and permanent. Grade 13 should have an emphasis on taking time to understand what you need.
If you switch majors, you’ll be set back at least one year. If you conclude that you hate what you’re studying by the end of year two, your four-year degree can take six to complete. I’m not saying there’s a problem with that, but think extra time in high school to reflect on what you want would make a huge difference.
What I’d like to know is what makes this new Grade 13 distinct from essentially repeating Grade 12 with a “victory lap.” What will entice students to opt for the extra year? Will courses offered such as financial literacy be hands-on? It’s said there will be more mental health support, but what will that look like? Will there be additional mentorship for post-secondary, or co-op programs that give students a glimpse into their possible future?
All this is necessary for making sure that optional extra year is valued, enjoyable and filled with the inner growth that cannot be replicated elsewhere.
Taryn Herlich is a Toronto-based writer, Toronto Metropolitan University student and mental health advocate.
https://www.thestar.com/opinion/contributors/2022/05/20/im-a-university-student-and-i-support-the-return-of-grade-13-heres-why.html?source=newsletter&utm_content=a09&utm_source=ts_nl&utm_medium=email&utm_email=0C810E7AE4E7C3CEB3816076F6F9881B&utm_campaign=top_124740
Tags: featured, mental Health, participation, youth
This entry was posted on Saturday, May 21st, 2022 at 9:12 pm and is filed under Education Debates. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.
365 Responses to “I’m a university student, and I support the return of Grade 13. Here’s why”
« Older Comments | Newer Comments »
Recent Comments
How do I subscribe to your blog? Thanks for your help.
Aw, this was a very nice post. In idea I wish to put in writing like this moreover taking time and precise effort to make an excellent article! I procrastinate alot and by no means seem to get something done.
Great blog here! Additionally your website rather a lot up very fast! What host are you the usage of? Can I get your associate link for your host? I desire my website loaded up as fast as yours lol
This article actually helped me with a report I was doing.
Oh my goodness! an amazing article. Great work.
Abnormal this put up is totaly unrelated to what I was searching google for, but it surely used to be listed at the first page. I suppose your doing one thing proper if Google likes you adequate to place you at the first page of a non similar search.
Thanks for sharing the information. I found the information very useful. That’s a awesome story you posted. I will come back to scan some more.
Small pitch adjustments can give a familiar loop a different mood. 5916fc1e.
Amazing! Your site has quite a few comment posts. How did you get all of these bloggers to look at your site I’m envious! I’m still studying all about posting articles on the net. I’m going to view pages on your website to get a better understanding how to attract more people. Thank you!
I favored your idea there, I tell you blogs are so helpful sometimes like looking into people’s private life’s and work.At times this world has too much information to grasp. Every new comment wonderful in its own right.
There is perceptibly a lot to identify about this. I consider you made some good points in features also.
Wow, amazing blog layout! How long have you been blogging for? you made blogging look easy. The overall look of your site is great, as well as the content!
Oh my goodness! an amazing article. Great work.
This is really interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger. I have joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your great post. Also, I’ve shared your web site in my social networks!
We’re developing some community services to respond to this, and your blog is helpful.
Good points – – it will make a difference with my parents.
I want to see your book when it comes out.
Great post, keep up the good work, I hope you don’t mind but I’ve added on my blog roll.
This is really interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger. I have joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your fantastic post. Also, I have shared your website in my social networks!
Developing a framework is important.