Not only do same-sex schools provide a more efficient way of learning, less distractions, a non-judgmental atmosphere, and a smaller student-teacher ratio, but they also encourage students to serve the community, and help those in need.
There is a mandatory amount of service hours required per grade at every same-sex school. In addition, depending on the school, either juniors or seniors are required to do service projects, which are scheduled at an approved agency around St. Louis. At my former high school, St. Josephs Academy, freshman are required to perform a minimum of 10 hours per year, sophomores are required to perform a minimum of 14 hours per year, juniors are required to perform a minimum of 18 hours per year, and seniors are required to perform a minimum of 20 hours per year. In addition to the seniors 20 hours required per year, all seniors are required to perform 90 hours of service at approved agencies during the last three weeks of May.
For instance, I volunteered at The Guardian Angel Settlement Association, a daycare for underprivileged children, located near St. Louis University. I helped out in the 3 and 4-year-old classroom. I would play games or work on art projects with the children throughout the day, prepare their meals, and put them down for their naps. The Guardian Angel was so appreciative of my help, as they constantly mentioned how sad they would be when I left. By working at the Guardian Angel, I built friendships with the workers, as we nearly spent every day together for three weeks. However, it was not just the relationships that I was able to make with the workers. The children’s smiled widened the second I walked into the classroom, and tears flowed down their faces the moment I left. They loved having just one more person to play with them and give them attention. While the teachers tried to give them as much attention as they could, they always needed more. It saddened me how much these children were desperate for love, because unfortunately many of the children did not receive the same type of love and attention that we all received as children. Seeing how much I impacted their day, made me look forward to coming to the Guardian Angel even more.
Helping those in need is a mission of every same-sex school in St. Louis. While service is mandatory, for me, it never felt like a job. What I quickly realized is that two people benefit from service. Not only was I able to positively impact the children’s’ days and able to give them the attention that children deserved, but the children and teachers at the Guardian Angel were able to positively impact each of my days as well. I felt great about helping those who are underprivileged, as they were so appreciative they were of my help. In addition, I was able to be more thankful for how lucky I am to be given the opportunities that I have been given.
Helping those in need is a mission of every same-sex school in St. Louis. While service is mandatory, for me, it never felt like a job. What I quickly realized is that two people benefit from service. Not only was I able to positively impact the children’s’ days and able to give them the attention that children deserved, but the children and teachers at the Guardian Angel were able to positively impact each of my days as well. I felt great about helping those who are underprivileged, as they were so appreciative they were of my help. In addition, I was able to be more thankful for how lucky I am to be given the opportunities that I have been given.
Overall, helping those in need made me a better person. I felt good about myself by sharing my gifts with others. In addition, I believe service forced me to realize just how lucky i am. And, because of the all the service I was required to do in high school, and the positive impact it had on my life, in the future I plan to seek a company that provides philanthropic opportunities for employees, as I will always want to give back to my community.
In conclusion, the personal decision for me to attend a same-sex high school was the right decision for numerous reasons. I excelled more as a student, as I had fewer distractions and there were less people in the classroom, allowing teachers to be more available for help. I gained confidence to be a strong leader and express my own thoughts and opinions, as I did not fear boys’ judgments. And, lastly, I was given the opportunity to share my talents and qualities in a way that positively impacted those in need.
While I know that the choice of a same-sex school can become an economic choice, as same-sex schools will cost more than the public offering, please do keep in mind there are varieties of financial aid options to consider if needed. In the end, the choice of where you send your child is a personal decision, but I can promise that your child will grow in many ways and be given many amazing opportunities that your child may not receive elsewhere. Sending your child to a same-sex high school is a decision that will positively affect your child for the rest of his or her lifetime.
In conclusion, the personal decision for me to attend a same-sex high school was the right decision for numerous reasons. I excelled more as a student, as I had fewer distractions and there were less people in the classroom, allowing teachers to be more available for help. I gained confidence to be a strong leader and express my own thoughts and opinions, as I did not fear boys’ judgments. And, lastly, I was given the opportunity to share my talents and qualities in a way that positively impacted those in need.
While I know that the choice of a same-sex school can become an economic choice, as same-sex schools will cost more than the public offering, please do keep in mind there are varieties of financial aid options to consider if needed. In the end, the choice of where you send your child is a personal decision, but I can promise that your child will grow in many ways and be given many amazing opportunities that your child may not receive elsewhere. Sending your child to a same-sex high school is a decision that will positively affect your child for the rest of his or her lifetime.