How to Survive Going to a Strict Religious School
Many children are sent to strict religious schools not for religious reasons. These schools tend to produce more college graduates than public schools (called private schools in England). Unlike public schools, religious schools will still hold kids back if they haven't learned anything. Discipline is also much rougher. I was sent to such a strict religious school that you could be suspended for whistling. Since your parents are spending thousands to put you through this school, you will have to make the best of it. Here's how.
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Instructions
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The Fear Of The Lord
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Adopt an attitude that you are under a jail sentence where you have to go and act in a play for eight hours a day. Look at it not as being unfair, but as great training for getting on with a boss you can't stand.
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Grow your hair as long as your school dress code allows. This hides your face, should your acting mask slip during the course of the school day.
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Select a small paperback book that will fit inside of your textbooks and carry that around with you throughout your day. When things get boring (and they will) slip the paperback inside your textbook and read. Be sure to look up every five minutes or so to pretend that you are paying attention.
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If your teacher has figured out the paperback book trick, then bring a notebook to class. This will be your journal where you will write down what you really think. This is a safe outlet for your frustrations.
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Read the rules closely -- in order to figure out how to bend them, but not break them. For example, we were not allowed to whistle. We could, however, say "Whit whew," which was a close to whistling as we could get.
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Purposefully bring a harmless object that is forbidden in the school to you hidden in your locker, pocket or book bag every day you go there. For example, we were not allowed to bring Walkmans to school. I brought it, kept it in my book bag for many years and listened to it on the bus to and from school.
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Feel smug that you are pulling one over on your strict religious school by being a model student on the outside but by still being you on the inside. No one can grade how you are inside except you.
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Tips & Warnings
You don't have to tell the truth to your teachers all of the time if the truth gets you into trouble. The important thing is to get the best grades you can even if you have to write papers that do you do not agree with. Get great grades and your parents will usually be more lenient with you in your home life.
Although this article focuses on Christian schools, strict schools happen in any religion.
Talk to your parents about what you are going through. You may find they agree with you and will help conspire with you to figure out how to bend the school's rules!
You get through a strict religious school and you are prepared for ANYTHING life throws at you.
Don't argue with your teachers, even when they are clearly in the wrong. This causes them to watch you more closely.
Don't make the mistake that the teachers and administration actually care about you. They don't. They are in a business and you are the product. When you graduate and become successful in your career then you can let the world know how much they stunk and the world will applaud you for being a survivor.
Never give up hope.
Never think your parents don't love you. They are honestly trying to find the best for you.
Resources
- Photo Credit Vintage Cross image by Billy Alexander
