Expository Essay

Likely Consequences of Dropping Out of School.

Our century is characterized by materialism. Parents are busy at work with the intention to make money and have no time to spend with their children. They think that money is the most important thing and a way to express their love to them. Children become uncontrolled and too independent. In the Middle School and in the High School children are obsessed by brand clothes, expensive Smartphones and social networks where they share everything about them, their personal life, wishes and thoughts. They live there. All of these take all their time and they don’t have time to study. Consequently, they don’t pass the exams or just drop out of school before them. Reasons of dropping out of school may be unexpected pregnancy, avoid bullying, family emergency, poor grades, depression or just boredom. Moreover, bad influence from the sort of “friends” who make them try drugs and alcohol or some other bad habits turning them into addiction. Therefore, they have problems with law, with their families, good friends and school administration. They don’t realize consequences of dropping out of school.

        The first problem that dropouts face is that most employers require a high school diploma credential to be considered for employment, making it even more difficult for dropouts to earn an income. If they obtain a job, they have a lower economic gain compared with high school graduates. Employers cannot pay a salary to a person without a high school diploma similarly as to a graduate one. Employers cannot be sure in dropout’s skills, knowledge and competence. Thereupon, dropouts are not able to access the wealth producing assets such as retirement pensions, which employers often offer as a benefit. In 2001, 45% of adult high school dropouts were unemployed compared to 26% of high school graduates and 13% of graduates from a four-year college.

Another problem is lack of access to Higher Education. Let us presume that after some time dropouts realize their mistakes and want to continue their study at college or at trade school in order to take a diploma. They will have difficulties in gaining access to financial aid from colleges or trade schools. In fact, most universities and trade schools require students to have a high school diploma before they are accepted into a program. Therefore, the lack of diploma affects their self-esteem and psychological well-being. Their lack of knowledge and skills is an obstacle to their desires and a higher income.
 

The third problem is that Dropouts are 3.5 times more likely than high school graduates to be incarcerated during their lifetime. They become hopeless, disappointed and unsure about tomorrow. The increased likelihood of poverty, along with the decreased access to higher education and career opportunities makes high school dropouts predisposed to crime and possibly substance abuse. Additionally, The Education Testing Service reports that 40 percent of all incarcerated 16 to 24-year-olds in the United States are high school dropouts. Also, 90% of the 11,000 youth in detention facilities have no more than a 9th grade education.

Of course, there are more likely consequences of dropping out of school, but these are the most significant. Teenagers should realize that graduation from school is the turning point. It marks not only the beginning of their adult life but also opens higher education and career opportunities. Parents should talk to their children about the advantages of the High School graduation and about the disadvantages of its lack. 21^st century presuppose development, progress and convenience. All of these are impossible without knowledge, studying and endeavour. Go confidently in the direction of your dreams and live the life you’ve imagined.