Dear friend, I am writing to you today to share with you a reflection, a glimmer of hope, in these times when challenges seem insurmountable. There is no solution to your situation, no matter how complex and difficult it may be.
Stay hopeful and stay strong. School, this venerable institution, has not always been able to adapt to you or others, regardless of gender. But that doesn’t define your worth or your potential.
Education: A journey full of obstacles but full of promise
I understand your frustration. School, which is supposed to be a place of learning and growth, sometimes seems more like a labyrinth than a lighted path. You wonder if the teachers are thinking about you and understanding what you’re going through.
You made the effort to pursue your career and complete secondary 5 despite feeling like you didn’t “fit” into the system. This bold decision shows your strength and will to succeed.
And now, in the face of the teachers’ strike, you feel forgotten again, lost in the turmoil of a conflict that goes beyond you.
You stopped working to learn and every day is a struggle. I see you, I hear you.
A look at the consequences of dropping out of school
Dropping out of school has serious consequences, both for the individual and for society. Socioeconomic difficulties, psychological problems and criminal behavior are more common among school dropouts.
Gaps in knowledge and skills, low self-esteem, lack of motivation and feelings of exclusion are just some of the personal consequences.
For society, the effects are equally important: reduced citizen participation, significant impact on the prison system, significant economic and social difficulties. The cost to Quebec society of a single high school dropout over his or her lifetime is estimated to be hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Wait, young man!
In this context, I encourage you to look beyond the immediate obstacles. Your perseverance is invaluable.
Every school day is a step towards a better future, not only for you, but also for our community. Your education is a key that opens not only the doors to employment and economic stability, but also the doors to understanding, tolerance and personal and collective progress.
The challenges seem immense and sometimes insurmountable. But remember that every effort you make, every day you persevere is a victory.
You are not alone in this fight. There are outstretched hands, attentive ears, ready to help you, to support you.
Your journey matters and your voice matters. The path to education is full of pitfalls, but also full of opportunities and discoveries.
Don’t let current circumstances extinguish the light of your potential. Society needs young people like you who are resilient and motivated to build a better future.
Persevere because your success will be the light that illuminates the path for others after you.
In solidarity and with deep admiration for your courage and determination.