Residential Schools vs Day Schools – an Open Speech
I did not apply to study in a residential school but I was offered placement in one. So claimed my parents “I was selected !”. According to them, I made the grade and I should say yes. There are others waiting for this golden opportunity. I do not fall into the eager beaver category. I still want to study in a day school.
I do not deny that a residential school has several plus factors in its favor.
First, for many, a residential school is a home away from home. It is a foster home complete with wardens and teachers who are surrogate fathers and mothers. The school is fitted with the best if not better facilities than day schools. The hostels resemble home facilities. The hostilities receive a better and advanced level of education.
Second, it is expected that a boarder’s potential is exploited to the maximum where he has the upper hand over his peers in day schools. Not only does he develop physically, psychologically, and emotionally, he is also groomed to face life’s challenges. He builds up a strong mental framework. He learns lessons of self-reliance and cares for others. A residential school is the mini-university of life.
Third, adapting to a new environment would ease a border to enter into other worlds as he grows. He becomes self-reliant and tackles problems independently. He cultivates self-respect within himself. He is confident as he learns to believe in himself. He grows in maturity as he takes appropriate decisions to recognize his aptitude and talents.
I have enumerated the factors in favor of residential schools. Despite the scales being heavier, I still wish to opt for a day school. These are the minus factors of residential schools.
First, day schools may have a dense population per class. The facilities may not be the best but students make do with whatever they have and learn to do without what they do not have. the teachers may not be the best but one thing I do know, they are genuinely concerned for their students and give of their best. they are also our surrogate fathers and mothers. Their goal is to make us worthy of ourselves and for us to peak academically.
Second, the challenging school environment under the tutelage of both teachers and parents allow us room to metamorphose into dynamic personalities. Day schools set high goals too so that students mature into self-confident, independent, and responsible adults. I have the trust and the faith in my teachers that they would not abandon us but allow us to bend with the willow, as they had executed for the past students who are living testimonies of their guidance. The school alumni are a potent force to be reckoned with.
Third, I prefer the last two years of my secondary education to be in a day school because I wish to be with my family. I won’t have much time once I enroll in a tertiary course and embark on a career. I want to maximize the time with my family. Please let me have the complete unadulterated dose of family time.
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