They tell us that grades are all that matter

That getting your homework done and passing your tests are what you should focus on

They tell us that we are preparing ourselves for the real world

That the past 18 years weren’t real

They tell us to sit up, smile, be happy; others have it worse than us

That we can’t have hardships or troubles

They tell us that we’re all special and unique

That we have to follow rules and behave

They tell us to decide our lives, right after high school

That if we don’t we’ll never be successful

They tell us to follow our dreams

That we deserve to be happy

They tell us we need to be able to support ourselves

That if our dreams can’t accomplish that then, find something else to do for now

They tell us to take risks

That we should also play it safe, just in case

They tell us they know better

That we don’t have enough experience

They are our superiors

That we are the lessers

They tell us

But they don’t know us