Absenteeism Reflective Essay Example

Have you ever wondered why attendance is such a crucial factor in school? A study done by Arizona State University graduates in 2007 shows students who attend school frequently since primary levels are more likely to graduate high school than those who have experienced chronic absenteeism. This doesn't mean higher attendance rates ensure graduation, but they do increase the chances by a mile. 

1 in 6 students are affected by absenteeism, which equates to 13% of the international student population. That is 6.5 million students that have had their education and development held back. This essay will cover the negative aspects of missing school and how I plan to navigate them.

Why is attending school important? I've experienced many middle school students who believe that their grade level is their final break before their work holds any importance or merit. I assume this mindset stems from the amount of relevance their grade point average (GPA) holds to their further education. This brings us back to the initial question, what significance does attendance hold? Why bother going if your grades don't matter as much as they will in high school? 

It is an absurd misconception that middle school is not something worth putting your effort towards. It is a critical few years when it comes to development. Whether it be mental or physical, this is a prime period for countless students. 

During these years, students begin to develop socially. During secondary school, the primary goal is preparation, specifically college preparation. Students who attend school regularly will develop better social skills. The skills they have the opportunity to develop during middle school are essential for navigating through the challenges they may face if they choose to further their education. 

Those who attend school less often may have difficulty with interaction and lack the experience as opposed to their peers. In addition to being left behind, missing school can also put students at risk. High absence rates are often associated with drug use amongst teens, declining mental health as you grow older, and more of a chance of dropping out during high school. 

In order to avoid the consequences resulting from absenteeism, I intend to follow aspirations that will bring motivation to me. My initial two short-term goals are for this current school year. 

One of the objectives I aim to succeed in is to keep up with my assignments on days I am absent. I am often not given updates on what I have missed, I will bring it upon myself to check the grade book and get ahold of any assignments I may have missed.

This second short-term goal I tend to succeed in is achieving higher and improved grades for each class on the final report card compared to the previous year. To complete my desired goal, I will need to be absent only when absolutely necessary. 

Lastly, the long-term goal I want to work towards is graduating high school early. Early graduation is indeed a difficult task, and therefore I will need to put forward as much effort as possible to get as many credits efficiently as I can.

Absenteeism is an issue that occurs much more often than discussed by students. I plan on completing my goals as thoroughly as I am capable of to avoid the consequences that can come from absenteeism.