With the start of the second semester comes the course selection process in which students will decide what classes to take next year. There are many things to consider while choosing classes. Students worry about getting enough credits to graduate, enrolling in a course that they find interesting and relates to a future career or taking a class that aligns with their learning style or academic ability. To some students who feel unsure or conflicted about which class to take, this process can be stressful. 

For sophomore Talula Hayes, the pressure of the course selection process is stressful because she is unsure of what her future holds. 

“I wish the process was less stressful and simplified because I and so many others cannot take the classes we want to take or the classes that will be useful later on because we prioritize getting enough graduation credits,” Hayes said. “Having to consider my future now can be dangerous because I have enrolled in some classes that I thought I would enjoy but ended up disliking. It can be a lot of pressure and I do not want to make the wrong decision.”

Sophomore Madison Monroe agrees that the course selection process is stressful, but she is grateful for the opportunity to try new things.

“I enjoy the course selection process because it allows me to explore a lot of different classes that I would not normally see at other schools. Metea has so many electives and I like the freedom of being able to choose from a variety of options,” Monroe said. “Although I am taking classes that I am passionate about, I know many people who are not able to try the things they enjoy because they need enough credits to graduate.”

Since course selection is a lengthy process, guidance counselors are devoted to giving students support, direction and help so that students can understand which classes they should consider. Guidance counselor Nina Keough recommends scheduling an appointment with your counselor to explore different options and answer any questions.

“If a student is stressed with course selection, the best advice is to reach out to your counselor. During that one-on-one time, they can work through what is stressing you out,” Keough said. “With the help of your resources, whether that is counselors, teachers or parents, hopefully, we will be able to ease that stress.”

Keough also recommends talking to students and teachers who are involved in those classes to gain insight into what that course is like. 

“For students who are conflicted about which classes to take, I recommend talking to your current teachers about the core classes you are interested in and talking to other students who have taken that course to gain the student perspective,” Keough said. “It is important that students get a broadened lens on various courses to better understand which classes they will succeed in.”

Be sure to visit https://www.meteacounseling.org/ for additional information.