![“Tanning exposes your skin to [ultraviolet (UV)] light, and UV light is a known carcinogen, which means it can alter your DNA,” Biotechnology and biology teacher Gillian Boyd said. “It can change the sequences of DNA bases. The more exposure you have, the more risk you have to develop [skin] cancer.”](https://smhsponyexpress.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/IMG_0071-1200x798.jpeg)
![Remakes [and film adaptations of books] are often criticized for being too repetitive and unnecessary.](https://smhsponyexpress.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/IMG_0193-1200x558.jpeg)
The pursuit of knowledge is a practice that has been explored in many different ways throughout history. The moment that modern-day humans first evolved to be what they are, they began inventing and discovering, a fact that is undeniable no matter what anybody believes about the origin of humanity. These discoveries led to great steps for humankind, including education, technology, and industrialization. However, these inventions contradict each other.
Anti-intellectualism is defined by Merriam-Webster Dictionary as being “oppose[d] or hostile to intellectuals or to an intellectual view or approach.” The rise of it in American high schools and middle schools prevents students from reaching their full potential; most students do not realize that merely making an effort is enough to bring oneself closer to that potential.
The invention of technology, while it has led to great innovations, has also led to consequences. The rise of social media has led to people becoming lazy; many people say that they do not need to know anything because it is so easy to find on their cellphone. Social media also distracts people from their education. I have often found myself neglecting homework or intellectual pursuits because I cannot tear myself away from my phone.
I have always been a very academically motivated student, but for most of my life I did not recognize the value that education actually brings to my life. I would complete assignments over and over again because I have always been afraid of failure, and I would agree with my peers who claimed that school is pointless. Upon entering high school, I noticed that people constantly compare their intelligence to their peers, and that most of the people who hate schoolwork believe that academic prosperity is impossible for them. These factors have created an environment in which people are careless and afraid to be diligent in their studies.
People do not realize how limitless learning is. In Gus Van Sant’s film “Good Will Hunting,” a character explains that “most people will never get to see how brilliant they can be. They don’t find teachers that believe in them. They get convinced they’re stupid.” I have observed many people make themselves appear less intelligent than they actually are because they are afraid of not fitting in. Some people at San Marin High School have set a standard that prioritizing school work means that you are a “teacher’s pet” or a “try-hard.” I have also noticed that people believe that they are not intelligent because they find schoolwork difficult.
However, intelligence does not only exist in academic pursuits; understanding artwork, learning about the world, and creating music all require neurological engagement. By actively pursuing learning and forcing the mind to be flexible, people can broaden their understanding of the world around them and become more competent and disciplined.
Not only are students not maximizing their potential, they also just do not care. At this point in time, knowledge is the only constant and effective power that ordinary, young people can have. I felt that I was more intelligent at the age of 10 years old than I am now at the age of 16. I think it is because I am only now realizing how much I do not know about the world and how much information is in it.
Some people are not averse to the schoolwork they are given, but hate school because of the social aspect of it. Growing up, I was very socially anxious and it took a lot of effort for me to come out of my shell. Sometimes I still get dizzy raising my hand to answer a question, which
I believe is normal for a lot of people. I also believe that I need to do it anyway because education is the most important thing that I have in the world and I understand how much value discomfort brings to my life.
Different people value different studies, and I believe that no matter what someone values, they should always make an effort to immerse themselves in it. The greatest thing I ever did for myself was combine passion with learning, and I believe that more people my age should do the same.
