Exploring My Worst High School Subjects: A Personal Reflection

Reflecting back on my high school years, certain subjects stand out as particularly challenging and unappealing. In this article, I will delve into the reasons behind my struggles with specific subjects and share some personal insights.

English Writing: The Bitter Sweet Sorcery

One subject that consistently remains a source of frustration is English writing. Although I excel in professional writing when necessary, I find it extremely tedious and unenjoyable. My goal is to keep the writing simple and straightforward so that I can address any issues swiftly. English, despite being one of my academic strengths, is simply boring to me.

My set of expectations from my assistant is straightforward: keep it simple. I do not need complex legal jargon; instead, I prefer clarity and straightforwardness. While I may receive top grades in English, I have never truly felt passionate about the subject.

Mathematics: The Dreaded 'M' Word

Another subject that I struggled with was mathematics. The sheer thought of math brings a wave of dread. Math has always been a stumbling block, primarily because of its abstract nature and the complex formulas involved. Even the 'new math' introduced in fifth grade felt like a step backward. Basic arithmetic was never a challenge, but advanced math concepts were nearly impossible to grasp, with most lessons hurled at me in a board lecture format. The lack of manipulatives and visual aids made comprehension even more difficult.

Physical Education and Drama: The Performative Hell

Physical Education (PE) and Drama were also significant challenges for me. PE, with its winter sessions in the harsh cold, was a motoric nightmare. Being an all-girls school, we did not have the luxury of playing football or rugby. Instead, we were tasked with netball, hockey, and a particularly brisk form of aerobic exercise. If that was not enough, my lack of athletic ability made PE a tyrannical torture session. Our PE teacher, wrapped in a thick coat and sipping tea, would bark orders at us while we stumbled through the exercises, our shins invariably bruised and our morale low.

To add insult to injury, the drama activities required endless pretending to be trees and other objects, which did little to alleviate the boredom. Drama, like PE, forced us to step out of our comfort zones, but not in a way that was particularly enjoyable or useful.

Hindi, Math, and Telugu: The Linguistic Battle

Aside from my struggles with English and math, spoken and written languages took a toll on me. Hindi, due to the challenging teacher, grammar, and specific educational methods, was particularly difficult. Similarly, I found math's complex formulas and numerous steps overwhelming. The complexity of Telugu letters and challenging grammar, coupled with the subpar quality of poems in the language, made the subject a genuine challenge. However, I eventually decided to discontinue the subject altogether, hoping to simplify my academic load.

Lessons Learned and Future Implications

Reflecting on these subjects has allowed me to gain valuable insight into my learning preferences and cognitive strengths. Understanding why I struggled with certain subjects can help me tailor my approach to future academic endeavors. While math and PE were consistently a struggle, I have developed a strong aversion to them that persists to this day. Moving forward, I aim to seek alternative approaches, such as visual and hands-on learning tools, to make these subjects more manageable.

Conclusion

From English writing to math and PE, my high school experience was marked by diverse challenges. By acknowledging and understanding these struggles, I am better equipped to navigate similar challenges in the future. Hopefully, this reflection can offer some guidance and comfort to others who may be facing similar academic hurdles.

Keywords: high school subjects, worst subjects, personal reflections