My Story: The Transition from Public to Private School

By Jamye Grace Aquino Kamali’i

My educational experience wasn’t strictly in public school - I transferred to private school when I started high school. Through this experience, I saw that many more opportunities are placed in front of students that attend private school instead of public school. Public education taught me to appreciate all walks of life and what is given to me, even if it is bare minimum. That is not the best takeaway, but I found it important to be thankful for minor things like the school supplies provided by the school or enough toilet paper in the restroom. However, since I switched schools I noticed that the students in private school had much more options that benefited and prepared for their future after school. I noticed how much public school did not teach me enough to prepare myself on what is to come but private school also gave me the chance to figure myself out. Although, educationally wise, I felt a huge difference in educational commitment between schools, I realized the amount of resources provided by either school, that public education deserves more funding. Public education taught me appreciation, humbleness, and a sense of community but it is still essential to improve on their funding.

Fully-funding public education is a TOP priority because of how much students can benefit with a well-funded school. When imagining a school that is well-funded, I visualize an institution with immense resources that set students up for success. Success is key for students because it shows a balance of all aspects of their life. For example, educational opportunities such as tutoring centers, health checkups such as school nurses, mental health options such as counselors. This means with an increase of funding means many students will be provided with the deserving options and opportunities that will set them up for success.