As a senior who is graduating soon, I often reflect back on what my college experience has consisted of. This poem represents my thoughts on what is currently the education system.

They say that you’re a genius,

That you’re the future of the world.

But they forget to mention,

What's about to be unfurled.

They throw at you decisions,

That you’re unprepared to make,

"But don’t worry" they’ll remind you,

"Exactly what’s at stake."

Here’s the key to your future,

But you won’t get it on a plate.

Oh by the way this decision,

Will probably decide your fate.

So here, come pick your poison,

Raise your glass up nice and high,

Maybe you can be the one,

Who will finally reach the sky.

But before you get your freedom,

There’s lots of hoops you have to jump,

And if you miss a single one,

You’ll hit the ground with a thump.

Be prepared to become a number,

Just another score on a test,

They realize that you’re tired,

But say you have no time to rest.

A and B and C and F,

Are the only letters you will know,

But they assure you these equations,

Will help your minds to grow.

We trust them so completely,

Because this is what we’ve been taught,

Most never even question,

Whether they maybe should have fought.

A few of us though are skeptical,

If this is all there really is.

How come the only thing that matters,

Is my grade on that final quiz?

What happened to truly learning?

Will this really help me prepare?

If so why do I feel I’m losing,

Something amazing, strong, and rare?

Everything that makes up me,

That I’ve held onto so tight,

Is slowly disappearing,

As the world dims its once fiery light.

I’ve been fighting my own culture,

But you’ll see it has such charm,

It assures you so completely,

You have no need for alarm.

Eventually this cruel society,

Will fit me to its mold,

As I continue to so meekly,

Do exactly as I am told.

Maybe those behind me,

Will hold onto their light,

And happily be laughing,

At those fools who wouldn’t fight.