Navigating the Impact of School Suspension and Its Long-Term Effects

Every student faces challenges and struggles while in school, and one of the significant consequences they might experience is suspension. As a seventh-grader, I was recently suspended for something far worse than fighting. This experience not only left me feeling lost and guilty but also taught me valuable lessons about emotions, personal responsibility, and societal expectations.

Understanding the Emotional Impact of Suspension

When I was suspended, I received a heavy blow not just from being away from school but also from the severe repercussions at home. My parents were deeply affected, and the extent of their sadness was evident. Weeping and taking away my electronics added to the emotional turmoil, and I found myself constantly crying over the situation. I began questioning my worth and feeling unworthy of my parents' love and support. I broke their hearts in a way, and they blamed themselves, which made me feel even worse. It's important to recognize that these feelings are common and valid during such times, but understanding that it's not your fault can help.

Comparing Old and New School Disciplinary Practices

When I was younger, the approach to conflict resolution was more lenient. If a fight occurred, a temporary suspension or a cooldown period was often the consequence, with parental involvement to help cool down emotions. Now, schools have become much more sensitive and strict. Mischievous acts like fights can lead to serious consequences, including assault charges, which can have long-lasting effects on one's future.

Back in the day, if you were caught fighting, your parents might give you a stern warning or a brief grounding. However, nowadays, every encounter is recorded, and every opinion is valued, regardless of whether the observer witnessed the incident. Even minor conflicts can leave lasting scars on a person's academic and social record, making it harder to seek help or support in the future.

The Reality of Being Suspended

The suspension itself can be quite isolating. Upon returning home, you may find yourself obsessing over video games or home chores. In my case, I started off cleaning to keep myself occupied, but eventually, I found my way to playing video games, particularly Grand Theft Auto 3.

Despite the temporary respite that these activities offer, it's crucial to understand that the suspension can have lasting negative impacts. If you can avoid it, do so. It's always better to handle conflicts in a mature and responsible manner rather than resorting to fighting. From my personal experience, I was suspended for fighting a total of three times in the sixth grade. Each time, I followed the rules of responding to conflict by hitting back, telling teachers when I felt uncomfortable, and avoiding starting fights. However, during one instance, a student dared me to fight him, and I ended up reacting without thinking. This resulted in a suspension and a storm of emotions.

Lessons and Advice for Avoiding Suspensions

Looking back, I can say that fighting is a waste of time and effort. It's always better to resolve conflicts peacefully and considerate of others. Here are some tips to help you navigate similar situations:

Try to de-escalate conflicts by remaining calm and talking to teachers or administrators when necessary. Seek help from friends, family, or school counselors to manage difficult situations. Avoid retaliating or starting conflicts, as this can escalate the situation. Learn to control your emotions and think before reacting.

While suspension might seem like a temporary setback, the emotional and long-term impacts can be profound. Remember, it's important to stay on the right path and prioritize your personal and academic growth.Never fight, and always act with maturity and responsibility.