Senior year: the final year of K-12 education, which has been characterized in American media for decades, involves creating “priceless” memories that will last a lifetime. That is, if you have the money.

In the capitalist society of the United States, free public compulsory education has emerged as the sole symbol of humanity’s good will. Students are allowed to learn and prosper all without the worry of a price tag. Seems too good to be true, right? Well, it is. The catch behind all of this is that to get the “true” high school experience, money will have to be spent. 

For high school students, whose spending money generally only comes from gifts, parents or minimum-wage jobs, everything in the world seems expensive. Any plans of going out for dinner are shut down with an, “I’m broke,” as most students lack funds to waste on leisure. 

Furthermore, this applies especially to school-planned events, which also have a hefty price tag. Take the Diamond Bar High School homecoming dance, hosted at the Silverlakes Sports Complex as an example. Karaoke, dance circles and Ferris wheels all seem attractive until the receipt comes out with a $95 price tag.

This cost is deemed necessary to provide a better experience for the select group that can afford the events presented by the school, as this “privilege” can only be paid off by the money that the USB earns. After all, the $80,000 homecoming budget doesn’t just pay off itself. 

But for the kids struggling with money, it is unfair and unethical. Everyone deserves the right to an equal high school experience. Those who simply cannot afford this event just have to sit at home and scroll through posts made by peers on Instagram, dancing to “Baby” by Justin Beiber in their room alone.

 Even school sporting events cost extra, along with yearbooks, which contain essential memories of the four year experience. Playing in a school sports team also charges bills, which can hinder many great athletes from playing and representing the sport. For example, swimmers have to give up hundreds of dollars for fin, paddles, caps, and more just to merely practice efficiently with the team. 

The fact is that financial problems should not hinder your ability to enjoy the basic high school experience that students nationwide enjoy. However, the case is that many students are shut out of groups and memories due to their lack of funds. Recreation —especially in California— is pricey, something many cannot afford.

Even aside from recreational activities, the firm cost of academic success is highly disturbing. From standardized testing to AP testing, these tests can come out to a hundred dollars apiece, not including the surcharges for processing. This “pay-to-win” system is further exacerbated by tutoring costs for standardized tests and rigorous school classes. This is reflected in prestigious institutions like Harvard, where the demographics of rich students trump poor students. 

Sadly, many students have to deal with the outcome of not having enough financial support. The memories, merits, and future of a student all come with a hefty price tag that some just can’t afford.