High school is a universal experience, but the details of what it entails evolve with each generation. Gina Angeli, a teacher at Huron, offered a reflective look at how her high school years compare to today’s landscape. From mental health awareness to technological advancements, Angeli’s insights capture how education has grown while maintaining its fundamental purpose.
According to Angeli, high school has always been about teaching students how to learn and preparing them for the future. However, she observes one of the most significant differences is the focus on mental health. “Nobody was talking about mental health back then,” she said, contrasting her experiences as a student with today’s emphasis on emotional well-being. While this shift marks progress, she notes that the pressures students face today are unique to the modern era, thanks to technology. Unlike her generation, which dealt more with physical demands like juggling work and sports, today’s students often navigate intense mental and emotional challenges.
The school environment has also undergone a transformation. Angeli described her high school as more rigid and institutional, whereas today’s schools foster a welcoming atmosphere. She particularly appreciates how spaces like the library have become “home away from home,” for students. Furthermore, the array of extracurricular activities and career preparation options has expanded significantly. She reflected on how limited opportunities were during her time, sharing, “There was no College and Career Center. I didn’t even know half the things that exist in the world that people do for a living.”
Angeli also shared a sense of nostalgia for the class spirit and community that defined her high school years. Spirit weeks and class events were integral parts of her experience, something she feels is less prominent today. Despite this, she acknowledges positive changes, such as a greater focus on nutrition and tailored learning options. She emphasized the growing awareness of diverse learning styles and the tools available to accommodate them, from speech-to-text programs to computer-assisted reading.
Ultimately, Angeli’s reflections reveal a high school experience that has evolved in ways both challenging and enriching. While students today face unprecedented pressures, they also benefit from a more inclusive, supportive and adaptable educational environment. Her perspective offers a thoughtful reminder of how schools continue to grow, striving to meet the needs of each new generation.
