Imagine a kindergarten class. Students fill the class with smiling faces, there might be a colorful carpet on the floor with all the colors of the rainbow and there might also be shelves full of books. The imagination in those children is just beginning. This is their first year of schooling and are new to the system, and therefore, do not know what to expect. They do as they’re told and start to learn basic skills such as the alphabet or numbers.

As students grow older, they often become bored with the everyday cycle of school. They see school as a chore and will only do work if they are graded on it or required to complete it. Students would rather play games on their phones than participate in activities or complete worksheets. Some do understand the importance of their education like junior Robin Kaufman.

“My education is important to me because gaining more knowledge gives you the opportunity to make connections that get you farther in life,” Kaufman said.

A young Pakistani activist named Malala Yousafzai fought for female education. She started a movement trying to allow young females to receive the education they rightfully deserve, because of this, she was shot in the head during an assassination attempt.

We live in a country where everyone is given the opportunity and an even playing field to become whatever they want to be. We don’t have to fight for the right to free speech or the right to an education. In turn, the average student feels entitled to those rights and can become ungrateful at times. There is a distinction to be made between going to school and learning.

Zachary Kugel is a junior at Pennsylvania State University Main Campus. He is working to receive his Bachelor of Science degree in accounting. He graduated from FHS in 2015 and was a member of the track and field team and a staff member for the FHS Press and Shawnee Yearbook.

“It was nice to get used to having longer classes every day while still in high school compared to being thrown into it freshman year of college,” Kugel said.

FHS provides students with many resources to succeed throughout their years at FHS. There is a one to one laptop program, a library full of information and teachers educated in a variety of subjects.

“The laptop program was very helpful since I have used a computer for the vast majority of my classes and my university does all their scheduling, housing, etc. online.

. The laptop program improved my typing, got me comfortable with owning and caring for a laptop, and helped me become literate in a variety of programs such as Adobe Photoshop,” Kugel said.

FHS also prepares students for the world after high school. The school partners with colleges to provide students with options and appealing to the affordability aspect of furthering one’s education. Dual enrollment programs are offered through the Community College of Beaver County (CCBC), Pennsylvania State University Beaver Campus, Geneva College and lastly Clarion University offers an online dual enrollment. There are CCBC classes taught by freedom teachers, allowing students to earn college credits.

Freedom has the resources to make a great future for the students who are now looking to continue onto a secondary school. Take advantage of the opportunities available and learn as much as possible while you still can.