Nguyen: High school expensive for kids

by Kevin Nguyen

Material wealth is overrated. That being said, money is often used to serve that end and should not be a primary pursuit of an individual. However, as a high school student, I could definitely use some more considering the expense of high school.

As preparation for every school year, students need to buy necessary materials: pencils, pens, erasers, paper (including the printer and construction variety), tissues (those five extra credit points come in handy), a calculator, folders, and binders. The backpack from last year is torn here and there, so might as well buy a new one. Ideally, this checklist is about $50, and that is excluding the arts and crafts. These fees are essential, so no serious complaints here.

The year starts to roll, and to stay informed, a $5 agenda is a necessity with its school calendar, the ASB constitution, and schedule, all conveniently located in one place. You see the first football game right around the corner, so you buy your $3 ticket for that. Oh wait, there is the Homecoming dance too, make sure to get that ticket for $10. Even if the games and dances continued to stack, the total would be affordable. But to climax, the Junior Prom and Senior Ball are sure to make you broke, with a minimum of $200 between couples. Of course, there is no requirement to go, but I feel it is a worthwhile high school experience.

As you contemplate about these expenses, you become nostalgic about your childhood fantasies of wrestling. The idea of grappling, executing captivating moves, and performing in the eyes of the crowd in a dimly lighted room motivates you to join the team. As the practices progress productively, you hear the news: a $100 transportation fee. Sighs of despair fill the room. The price of necessary equipment adds to the dismay. With every additional sport a student joins, there will always be an additional $100 to accompany it.

Now consider the fees associated with academics. For those students who are interested in taking a more rigorous academic course, AP classes are plentiful, with an $87 dollar fee per. The SAT I ($45), SAT II ($20, +$9 for each regular test, and ACT ($48 with writing) are sure to bring delight, especially when the average student takes it multiple times and absent-mindedly registers late a few times (an additional $23 for SAT, $21 for ACT). Those who would like to prep with a business will reluctantly lay down at least another $250.

Of course, there is no requirement to participate in any of these activities with a fee attached, but I feel each one adds to the high school experience. Though there are waivers, these discounts can only reduce so much as a student with no income. To consider public education free is a joke.