During my five years of high school, I have taken 39 classes.
In those classes, I have learned the importance of phospholipids in membranes, the electro-negativity of oxygen, the life cycle of ferns, the date the Warsaw Pact was signed and much more.
I am now in my senior year - months away from possibly leaving for university, living on my own, or even travelling the world.
In my last few months, I look toward the end, excited and enthused for what the rest of my life has in store.
The question: what does my life have in store, and how much of my mandatory curriculum will help me find out?
I understand that the provincial government is doing all it can to make us knowledgeable and well rounded, and I honestly appreciate that.
My problem isn't with what we learn; it's with what we don't learn.
I believe students should have the opportunity to learn how to pay bills, open bank accounts, do taxes and develop other practical skills they can carry with them.
The schools do have a mandatory course called Planning, which is a class that teaches students things like how to write resumes, make healthy choices, practice safe sex and search out future opportunities.
Planning does help the students prepare for life after high school, but there is still a lot more they could offer.
Too many students assume they will work or go to university, but don't put thought into their living situation, expenses or other certainties they will face in the near future.
Some students may be overwhelmed with their sudden increase in responsibilities, which could lead to stress and depression.
High schools need to do a better job preparing students for life after they graduate.
It is far too important of an issue to be ignored.
If schools help prepare students, they will be making a positive change for young adults entering the "real world."
I would like to call on the school board to incorporate more life skills into the school curriculum to better equip graduates for life on their own.
With the huge number of young adults in debt and the blatant financial illiteracy of our youth, this issue should be dealt with now, before the problem escalates further.
As today's students (myself included), get ready for what lies ahead, don't expect others to take care of your responsibilities and, most importantly, prepare for what's in store - no matter what it is.
Daniel Khoshaba, Grade 12, is one of the four winners of our online column writing contest, organized by Danielle Aldcorn. As part of winning, the students get their columns published in a similar vein to Aldcorn's Family Function and receive a copy of her new online book.
