This school year has been a constant reminder of a big decision I made in the past. As I watch seniors pass in the halls I'm reminded that I could be part of the graduating class of 2008, but I'm not.
I chose to be held back a year in school.
I've been able to avoid giving much thought to this reality until this year. Now I've come to realize I have more feelings than I expected to have. I can't deny I feel sadness, disappointment, envy and other emotions.
I really had a difficult time learning the fundamentals in school when I was younger. Every year I passed to the next grade level, but I continued to struggle and fall further behind my classmates. I felt terrible because I was so frustrated and wanted to understand what I was being taught, yet I kept slipping backward.
When I moved from Portland to Alaska with my family, my mom and dad encouraged me to give myself an extra year to learn.
Fortunately for me, my parents said I could have the final say in deciding if I wanted to get held back or not. I decided to retain myself, since I was starting a new school and no one knew me. After the decision was made, I had a good cry, then I didn't want to talk about anymore.
Whenever I celebrate my birthday the subject seems to come up. Some of my friends always have a surprised look on their faces when they see my age written on my cake. It is such a drag to have to explain why I am a year older than my friends. Now, most of my friends know and they are OK with it.
I would like to challenge the negative mind-set that many people seem to have about being held back a year in school. I get very annoyed when I hear comments about other people like myself being labeled as flunkies, stupid or dumb. This in no way reflects someone's intelligence.
I have benefitted in many positive ways. I've had very supportive teachers that actually gave me the extra help I needed to be able to succeed academically. I have more confidence in myself and know I am capable of reaching my goals I set for myself. I'm proud to say I didn't fall through the cracks and just got by.
Getting a good education is important to me, and it's worth waiting another year to graduate.
This article is the opinion of Kadie Perletti. Perletti is a junior at Skyview High School.
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