I think that the K-12 system in California provided me with an excellent amount of college preparation. They provided appropriate materials in all subjects and also provided tutoring help when I needed it. It taught me the basic materials needed to enter college and how to ask others who are more knowledgeable for help when needed. One thing that I would encourage for the future would be to add more courses in high school to help students figure out what career path they would like to take. For example, providing students with courses that help them to identify their likes, dislikes, strengths, weaknesses, and desires would be a good place to start. This might help future students be able to have a better understanding of themselves and of what their vision for their lives is. Another benefit of adding ways for students to find their path in high school would be that it would help them financially. Even with student aid, college can become very expensive extremely fast. I would say that it also prepared me well in a social manner. The school system provides a safe space for students and children of all ages, races, and backgrounds to come together and learn social skills. I grew up in a home wrought with domestic violence with multiple people where illicit drug use was rampant. Being able to go to school helped me because it was a safe place where I learned life skills that I was not learning at home. It also helped me to learn that not everyone was from the same messed-up background that I was. Throughout my time in the K-12 system, I also learned to use my schooling and homework as a way to escape from the trauma and horror I was experiencing in my home life. Another thing that school attempts to help students with is learning to handle emotions. Growing up we were provided school therapists that we could talk to whenever we needed to but one thing was missing and that thing was trust. In the home I was growing up in we were not allowed to talk about our problems or home life and if we did then we would get severely beaten. This quickly built up a wall that was difficult for anyone to tear down. I don’t think that the school system focuses entirely enough on the emotional aspect of students. I feel that they are providing the bare minimum support to get by. I feel as if I wasn’t heard when I did finally speak up. There was never any help with the emotions that I was feeling like a child in a horrendous environment, just referrals to other people to “talk with”. In my opinion, the school system could develop a curriculum for future students to be provided with more hands-on emotional training. This could take the form of courses in elementary, middle, and high school, or support groups that are voluntary to attend. Every grade and stage of the K-12 system has its own set of dilemmas and emotions that coincide with them. To combine information and knowledge of emotions and how to assertively address them, our children can benefit better in their overall schooling.