Now the answer to this one will depend on when in my school career you’re talking about. Because most of elementary school I liked anything that allowed me not to have to pay attention to a teacher talking at me and let me work on things myself, but they had to be things I felt proficient in and had some interest for (so not math after about grade 7. Except algebra which I briefly understood for a little while in 8th grade, I think). Which is to say I did well in school, but most of it was not what I’d call enjoyable. Usually I liked English class, which tracks if you look at where you’re finding me now. Sometimes I liked social studies, but even then I was noticing that it didn’t really cover many varied viewpoints. Very occasionally science. Never gym.
Now, if you’re talking post-secondary, that’s a whole different story. I liked nearly every single class I had in college, because I got to choose them myself. I even enjoyed my computer studies class, which surprised no one more than me. I loved the anthropology classes I had with this amazing teacher who made a textbook we wrote for ourselves in class. I’ve never been so engaged as I was in her classes, and I love her to this day for giving me that experience. I also loved my women and health class because it was the first time I’d ever seen women’s bodies presented as a topic worthy of academic study, and the first time I was part of a group of (cis) women who talked about their intimate experiences and shared their thoughts and feelings on a whole range of topics related to what it is to be in a biologically female body. It was enlightening and incontrovertibly changed me. It made me feel like part of a tribe, and like the experiences that had previously made me feel shame or humiliation actually were either not so bad, or even a source of power. I highly recommend all young women look for opportunities to be in this kind of class or collective because it’s such an important and empowering experience, feeling like part of a sisterhood.
What about you guys? Which topics did you enjoy most in school, and which did you really NOT enjoy? If you could go back in time now, would you choose the same classes if you did post-secondary education, or would you choose a different path?
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I never thought about talking college courses…I think in that modality, my fave college course was horseback riding. I had to do a semester of gym, where we worked out, then an elective one. I chose horseback riding and it was awesome! Of course, I got an A…I’d been horse-crazy as a young girl and rode whenever I could. I would highly recommend it! BEST. CLASS. EVER!
Oh that is so great! I love horseback riding (and horses in general). I rode as a kid, and even helped out at a local trail riding stable! There’s just something so calming about being with horses, even just grooming them always made me feel calm.
Music…but I can see how a future writer could get into anthropology, with a good teacher.
I have always been so interested in all the different ways humans interact with their environments and each other, so it was fascinating to me! I admire those who have musical gifts, but unfortunately I am not one of them. I tried, but to no avail!
It is better to pick your own choices, then you want to learn.
Yes, definitely. And a great teacher also brings a subject alive and makes it engaging. I was so lucky in college to have both several times, and it made me a lifelong learner!
Supportive, encouraging teachers are in such short supply. At least that’s definitely how it seems.
I fully agree. But when you get one, it really can make all the difference!