Declaration of Student Independence

As students get older, one of the biggest changes they experience isn’t just harder classes or more homework; it’s learning how to become independent. Whether it’s managing time, making decisions, or figuring things out on their own, independence looks different for everyone. After talking to a few students, it’s clear that this transition isn’t always easy, but it’s something everyone goes through in their own way.

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For some students, independence starts outside the classroom. Jocelyn explained that getting a job and managing her own money helped her become more independent. Taking on real-world responsibilities like that forces students to grow up quickly. However, even with that independence, she admits she still depends on her family and friends. She also believes schools don’t fully prepare students for independence, especially when it comes to real-life skills like finances. Her advice to younger students is simple but important: start thinking about your future early.

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Looking at independence from a different perspective, school counselor Mr. McRae sees it develop gradually over time. He explained that as students get older and more comfortable in their environment, they naturally become less dependent. He also noted that students who are more involved in activities like sports or clubs tend to be more independent. However, he pointed out that students still rely heavily on their friends and phones, and that becoming independent can be challenging due to peer pressure and social anxiety. While he believes schools can improve in encouraging independence, he emphasized that learning to overcome challenges on your own leads to a greater sense of accomplishment and appreciation.

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Adding to this, Mr. Mronzinski notices a clear difference in independence as students go from freshmen to seniors. He explained that older students are better at managing their time, turning in assignments earlier, and taking responsibility without needing constant reminders. He believes independence comes from building small habits over time, especially with things like time management. One challenge he pointed out is that students want to be treated like adults, but they have to show responsibility first in order to earn that independence. While he thinks schools do encourage independence in different ways, he emphasized that students have to take initiative themselves. His biggest piece of advice is to use a calendar to stay organized and keep track of everything going on.

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Others find independence through involvement at school. Pierce shared that being in the student council and participating in activities helped her grow as a leader. In those roles, people rely on her, which pushes her to be more responsible and self-sufficient. Still, she recognizes that independence doesn’t mean doing everything alone. She depends on people like her parents and best friend for support when she needs it. She pointed out that one of the biggest challenges is adjusting. Many students don’t even realize how dependent they are until they’re on their own. Because of this, she believes schools should encourage independence more, since in the real world, there won’t always be someone there to guide you.

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For Jessa, independence looks more like structure and self-discipline. She explained that creating her own routine helped her become more independent, because it required her to figure things out on her own. At the same time, she still depends on her teachers, who have helped her grow over time. One challenge she mentioned is thinking she doesn’t need help once she becomes more independent. She acknowledged that everyone needs support sometimes, even if they don’t always ask for it. Unlike some others, she feels that schools do encourage independence through expectations like being on time, completing assignments, and managing responsibilities. Her advice to younger students is to never be afraid to ask for help, no matter how independent they become.

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Karis offers a slightly different perspective, focusing more on the challenges that come with independence. She shared that she still depends on her friends, especially when it comes to understanding schoolwork. One of the biggest difficulties for her is not fully understanding certain topics, which can make being independent more stressful. She also feels that schools don’t always encourage independence, explaining that teachers can sometimes limit students by guiding them too much instead of giving them the freedom to figure things out on their own. Her advice to younger students is to stay on top of their work and not rely on teachers to manage their responsibilities.

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Overall, independence is something that develops over time through both experiences and challenges. While students may gain responsibility in different ways—through jobs, school activities, or personal routines—they are all still learning how to balance independence with relying on others. The transition isn’t always easy, and opinions differ on whether schools do enough to support it, but it’s clear that becoming independent is an important part of growing up.

In the end, independence isn’t about having everything figured out on your own. It’s about learning how to take responsibility, make decisions, and face challenges while knowing when it’s okay to ask for help. As students continue through school and beyond, these skills will become even more important, shaping not only their success in academics, but in life.