John Mayer once said, “High School is like a spork: it’s a crappy spoon and a crappy fork, so in the end it’s just plain useless.” Though I would hardly condone taking academic advice from a rock star who just barely earned his G.E.D himself, the guy does have a point. There are a series of life skills that the high school curriculum cannot teach and, as many students are moving on to college, it is important to look at the learning opportunities beyond the classroom.

     Some learn the best by plunging into an unfamiliar environment. “Living overseas and learning how others live really broadens your sense of who you are in the world” says Joel Beeby, who spent some of his childhood living in Thailand. For many people, living outside of their country or even moving to a different state allows them to learn about different cultures and customs to widen their world view. 

     Some of us might not have the opportunity to go Thailand or join mission trips, but being conscious of the outside world and being open to experience is equally as important. “I’ll be the first to admit that I don’t know anything. I feel so sheltered” says Taylor Bailey.  However, Taylor actively participates in political discussion in his AP Government class, as well as makes it a priority to keep up with global affairs.

     Keep an eye out for opportunities to travel and expand your horizons outside of your local community.