Missing School

Today, for the first time this school year, I am taking a sick day. Now, I’ve come to school every day this year, through sickness and injury. Looking back, it’s ridiculous that I put myself through that. For perspective’s sake, I injured my hip during cross country season and couldn’t walk. Instead of just missing one or two days of school, I hobbled to all of my classes. Once I got there, I ended up sobbing from the pain. Why did I do that? Because I am terrified of missing school.

You truly don’t realize how much you do during a school day until you have to do it at home. You’re given eight hours of work to do on top of homework for that day. Missing one day can really put a student behind, in math especially. Notes only go so far to get a clear understanding of some concepts you have to be taught. Unfortunately, my body decides to shut down on the day that we learn the hardest concept so far…

Additionally, my school is incredibly unclear on what the procedure is following an absence. I know I have to go to attendance and get a note, and that note is for something or someone, but I have no idea who or what. The attendance ladies are very nice, but when I ask them it seems as if they don’t know what the note is for either. Teachers also have specific things they want you to do when you come back, but they never really tell anyone. Do I show them my note? Homework? Ask them what I missed? I don’t want to bother them, but I also don’t want to get a zero on something. I’m not one of those students who go out of their way to talk to a teacher. Many of my friends don’t want to miss school for the same reason. Asking teachers for work is weirdly scary, especially because some tend to get annoyed when you ask for work. Like, I understand that the world does not revolve around me, I just need the lab sheet you handed out yesterday!

It makes it easier that my friends can tell me what I miss. However, it’s unfortunate that students feel pressured to go to school. Teachers are always wondering why everyone’s sick, but they told us that they don’t recommend missing their class. Personally, I’d rather give everyone the flu than fail math. Do you find missing school stressful? (Please tell me I’m not the only one who feels this way…)