If there’s one thing that separates our school from the many districts of Texarkana, it’s its undeniably intimidating size. However, as one grows more comfortable roaming these endless hallways, they find their own groups amongst the student body. 

Many discover a passion for blowing their breath into shiny instruments and stuffing themselves in orange and black band uniforms. Others may seek solace in numbered jerseys and Friday night lights. Despite the prevalence of these activities, some students are still unable to find their calling. These are classes approved to be taught in Texas public high schools that, if offered here, could encourage students to explore their hobbies and passions.

Pathophysiology

You may have just read the line above this one and thought to yourself, “I’ve never heard that word in my life.” That’s what would make “Pathophysiology” typed across our choice sheets so intriguing. This health science class teaches aspiring medical students all about the deadly fascinating world of diseases. Focuses include how to prevent and treat injuries, the body’s reaction to infections and the resurgence of illnesses such as malaria and polio. This is definitely a class that students would engage with much more since the rise of COVID-19.  

Turf Grass Management

If you’re ever bored of watching paint dry, try watching grass grow. Turf Grass Management, or as I like to call it, Grass Class, covers everything anyone would want to know about the little green specs growing in our lawns. Plant appreciators would learn how to earn certifications for this career, how to identify different types of turf grasses and the safety procedures behind this ever-growing industry. 

Political Science

We all know those students in history class who want nothing more than to spend all period debating the politics of the past, present and future. These opinionated people would benefit from taking an entire class dedicated to the history and application of politics. In addition to discussing their own opinions, budding political scientists learn the ideas of the study’s most notable figures, ranging from the simple Grecian days of Plato to Marx’s ever controversial rallying cries for Communism. Students would learn about past and present philosophical schools of thought, such as feminism and capitalism, resulting in a more politically informed student body.

Musical Theater

This class is for those kids who habitually hum showtunes through the halls with increasing volume. More musically inclined thespians would feel perfectly at-home in a class that teaches how to act and sing along to Broadway’s best hits. Students in musical theater learn the art’s terminology, understand the chain of command in theater from the cast to the director and analyze its impact on American society. Of course, no performing arts class would be interesting if students didn’t get a chance to perform. Students apply what they learn about acting and singing techniques to turn those hummings from the hallways into full musical numbers.

Creative Writing

As someone whose childhood dream job was an author, I was faced with brutal reality in middle school when I realized secondary English class would be far more about essays and literary analysises than fiction and fairy tales. Students who enjoy writing outside the constraints of your basic humanities class would be able to both express themselves freely in written form as well as receive feedback from instructors on their work. 

Bowling

The laps around the track in jeans that stick to your legs as sweat begins to fall off your limbs. The boredom of slouching on the bleachers until a bell dismisses you from your least productive period. The clenching your fists in frustration because you couldn’t find some kind of loophole out of a PE credit. 

Imagine a future at Texas High where the middle school rumors about “bowling class” were true. Even though high school demands we take one year of physical education, athletics aren’t for everyone. Instead of forcing freshmen to squeak along the gym in sweaty tennis shoes, simply switching dodgeballs for bowling balls would make class a much less intimidating experience. Bowling shoes are also far more fashionable than any sports team uniform.

Forensic Psychology

It’s gruesome. It’s horrifying. It reminds everyone to lock their doors at night. For some morbid reason, the bone-chilling world of true crime has become increasingly popular with teens of today. There’s something so oddly entertaining about learning about the merciless minds of infamous figures ranging from Jeffrey Dahmer to John Wayne Gacey. A formal, in-depth look into how these killers were created would be both entertaining and educational to true crime fans of today.

There’s no denying that our schools’ expansive list of classes is impressive to say the least. Our choice sheets practically read like medieval scrolls. However, there is always room for improvement, and these six classes might be a good first step.