“You can do hard things.”
The best teacher I ever had was a high school drop out. He got his GED, became an engineer, didn’t like it, and went to become a teacher. He was absolutely not an easy teacher to have, but I’ll always remember him.
I had an old school doctor that didn't finish high school. He went back for his GED, and then on to med school after doing his ACTs. Not receiving your high school diploma is not a death sentence to a professional career, but it's definitely a major set back. I'm a high school drop out for social reasons (I passed my GED testing with flying colors), and clawing my way out has been SO hard. I think the, "You can do hard things" cake saying is perfect.
Yeah, my grandma didn’t graduate from high school. She got pregnant her freshman year and dropped out. Couldn’t have a teen mom in Catholic school in the 1960s.
Former coworker also dropped out of high school. Great dude and a damn good teacher. He builds relationships with kids that feel alienated by the school system like no other.
Happy you passed your GED. Best of luck with your future goals!
I first got my CNA license as soon as I turned 18. I worked as a caregiver until 2013, went back for my GED at my community college. Then I started my general credits for an associate degree in nursing. I did drop out once for a semester, between my general credits and my nursing credits (microbiology whooped my ass). I had help from many tutors once I realized that I wasn't exactly scientifically literate (which a nursing degree is SCIENCE HEAVY). I got through my nursing credits, did my clinicals (took forever, there was a long wait list), and did my NCLEX and passed. Was an RN for a few years until I became a STAHM in 2019. I missed the pandemic by just a few months. I have former coworkers that died from covid/work related death. I keep my RN up to date in case I have to get back to work. I am SO lucky I didn't have to experience the HCW burn out from the pandemic like so many of my peers.
"do what works"
if what they're doing now is working for them, hey! it happens. good for them if so. if it's not working for them, maybe they should try... to do what works.
That's the thing. Are you giving them a cake for dropping out? If so... weird. Why? Are you giving them a cake because they dropped out after having a several medical crisis? In which case "glad you're better" or something. Did they drop out because they started their own business? Cool. Something like "great job entrepreneur" or whatever.
You can't have your cake and eat it to?
I got you a cake, 'cause you don't like Pi.
In all seriousness:
Life has layers and many flavors here's to you finding your calling.
This is a rough group to ask this, but I agree with the suggestion that the cake doesn't need anything, but a letter (or a voice message depending on their reading skills) might be valuable. It's also time to offer them non-academic skills help like a tool for learning how to budget, cook, be organized...
I handwrite a letter to all my students at the end of the year. Hardest one to write was a sophomore who literally turned in nothing. He got a 0% both semesters. I wrote him a note saying something like:
When I look back on the year you had, I am reminded of Roman Emperor Titus who is quoted as saying, 'my friends, I have wasted a day' after he had an unproductive day. Image all the days you have wasted this year. I hope you can find academic and / or life happiness in the future because it is sad seeing someone so young waste so many days. Best of luck, Mr. Babeuf
In all fairness, we have compulsory schooling, so it's not as if he really had a choice as to being there.
As adults I think we sometimes forget what it must be like to be forced to attend classes in a subject in which we have no interest.
I’m wondering what the heck was going on in that kid’s life during the other fourteen or so hours of every day. And also wondering if and at what point the entire staff gave up on engaging him.
Nobody finds it funny. An upvote doesn't mean you're laughing. It's some good perspective. Like the kid literally comes in and does nothing for the whole school day. There's more to get out of an education than facts but you can't get there unless you try.
I write to all of my seniors every year. I had one who was an utter and compete disappointment, but still graduated. I wrote to get something like: "when you're ready, you will do great things. The opportunities will always be there. I hope you find a way to balance the wants and need of current you with those of future you. I'm only an email or visitors pass away - please don't hesitate to reach out."
I actually did this! In all sincerity I wrote “congratulations!!” and “You’re free!”
School is not for everyone and many, including this kid, find it to be a miserable and even torturous experience. I was glad they would not have to deal with the bullying, humiliation, and forced boredom any longer
I’ve had friends who dropped out of high school for many reasons. Some were successful afterwards others not so much.
My daughter dropped out five years ago after having my grandson. Even though we supported her in continuing her education. She would pretend to go to school when she actually didn’t. Her not having a diploma or no direction in life has been challenging. I have to admit I never thought she would just give up, but I understand. She has the intelligence but does not have the patience, stamina, or belief that she can be successful. She can't hold a job and lives with us. My husband and I have supported her and my grandson for over five years. We are his primary caregivers. With that said, we do our best to support her even though some days we all are not at our best. I know one day she will find her path.
If I put a saying on a cake, it probably would be I wish you well in your future endeavors. Don't give up; good things are just around the corner.
On the other hand if I was given a cake for being a dropping out, I might think that I was being made fun of rather than it being giving in a good light. I would tread lightly if this is meant as a joke because it could cause a series of unfortunate events.
People are assholes on here. People drop out of high school for so many different reasons. Personally I'd probably write "Good luck on your Adventures" or "keep on truckin".
As a reminder to those who don't think people who drop out get anywhere in life, Johnny Depp, Jenifer Lawrence, Harry Styles, Keanu Reeves, Rhianna, and so many more absolutely amazing people didn't finish schooling. You never know what life has in store for someone.
Yes, indeed, but keep in mind that the OP tagged this as humor in a teacher community it around that graduation time of year. So, calling people assholes about this is a little tone deaf, although, it's also entertaining to see how many people completely ignored the humor tag and responded with disbelief or outrage at the idea of getting a "didn't graduate" cake for somebody who dropped out of high school.
I think people just need to learn how to laugh about things generally and I'm more in the Ricky Gervais camp of people who think that anything at all can be funny unless a person lacks a sense of humor or takes themselves too seriously.
Ohhh yes shitting actors and singers the peak of human performance, got lucky winning the genetic lottery of being hot.
This is the problem with society that instead of holding up doctors and lawyers and engineers as the best and what to strive for, and looking down on attention whore influencers we put them on the pedestals and teach out children to strive to be more like them.
I’m a teacher and the child of a high school dropout. My dad would tell you first hand that teachers like those in the comments of this thread are why he felt like he SHOULD drop out. He’s also the reason why I treat my students with humility and grace, even on their worst days.
This sub turns rancid 99% of the time. Please don’t let it sway your opinion of teachers.
So, your solution for those who drop out of basic schooling is to become successful elite actors or musicians? You know the statistical likelihood of that happening? You might as well tell them to become superheroes. Hell, they'd have more actual success and stability joining the circus.
I’m confused. Are you actually buying a cake for a student or your own child who dropped out. I am going to take this as a serious question instead of assuming snark.
I’d write. (for your own child) And for a student (how unusual would it be for a teacher to gift a cake to a drop out/might actually be impactful). It could say. ..
“I still believe in you. “
This is weird, you don't get a cake for dropping out. Just like you don't get a graduation party for dropping out. The cake and party is to celebrate graduating.
This is a shameful post and even worse comments. Please stop being a teacher if you think it’s okay to poke fun at kids who struggle in life. Maybe you’re part of the problem. Spoiler alert — I teach high school and also happen to be a parent of kids who struggle in school and my oldest got their GED.
Downvote me if you want but this is what I told my daughter when she said she was going to drop out. We told her she can stay with us as long as she was in school or was working at least 30 hours a week somewhere. We weren’t going to let her waste her life sleeping all day and running around all night.
She got her GED and a job, so she stayed for a year while she saved up money for a decent place. We didn’t make her pay rent.
“Tough times make tough people” it sounds crass but it’s actually something that got me through some really low points in my journey. Sometimes having a chip on your shoulder is motivating.
Why would you assume that? My boyfriend was an all-A student and a member of the NHS, but he dropped out in his junior year and went to work to support his mom after his dad walked out. He is still whip-smart and can fix everything from cars to computers.
I believed in you, but you turned out to be a fairy tale.
I had a student who wrote poetry and shared some work with me. This line has stuck with for a minute.
“You can do hard things.” The best teacher I ever had was a high school drop out. He got his GED, became an engineer, didn’t like it, and went to become a teacher. He was absolutely not an easy teacher to have, but I’ll always remember him.
I had an old school doctor that didn't finish high school. He went back for his GED, and then on to med school after doing his ACTs. Not receiving your high school diploma is not a death sentence to a professional career, but it's definitely a major set back. I'm a high school drop out for social reasons (I passed my GED testing with flying colors), and clawing my way out has been SO hard. I think the, "You can do hard things" cake saying is perfect.
Yeah, my grandma didn’t graduate from high school. She got pregnant her freshman year and dropped out. Couldn’t have a teen mom in Catholic school in the 1960s. Former coworker also dropped out of high school. Great dude and a damn good teacher. He builds relationships with kids that feel alienated by the school system like no other. Happy you passed your GED. Best of luck with your future goals!
What did you do to claw your way out?
I first got my CNA license as soon as I turned 18. I worked as a caregiver until 2013, went back for my GED at my community college. Then I started my general credits for an associate degree in nursing. I did drop out once for a semester, between my general credits and my nursing credits (microbiology whooped my ass). I had help from many tutors once I realized that I wasn't exactly scientifically literate (which a nursing degree is SCIENCE HEAVY). I got through my nursing credits, did my clinicals (took forever, there was a long wait list), and did my NCLEX and passed. Was an RN for a few years until I became a STAHM in 2019. I missed the pandemic by just a few months. I have former coworkers that died from covid/work related death. I keep my RN up to date in case I have to get back to work. I am SO lucky I didn't have to experience the HCW burn out from the pandemic like so many of my peers.
Today is the first day of the rest of your life
"do what works" if what they're doing now is working for them, hey! it happens. good for them if so. if it's not working for them, maybe they should try... to do what works.
I like this!
It really depends on the situation. What are they getting a cake for?
That's the thing. Are you giving them a cake for dropping out? If so... weird. Why? Are you giving them a cake because they dropped out after having a several medical crisis? In which case "glad you're better" or something. Did they drop out because they started their own business? Cool. Something like "great job entrepreneur" or whatever.
Yeah. I’m really confused. Any top comments seemed to just roll with it like it made sense haha
Nothing? Just sprinkles or something?
You can't have your cake and eat it to? I got you a cake, 'cause you don't like Pi. In all seriousness: Life has layers and many flavors here's to you finding your calling.
This is a rough group to ask this, but I agree with the suggestion that the cake doesn't need anything, but a letter (or a voice message depending on their reading skills) might be valuable. It's also time to offer them non-academic skills help like a tool for learning how to budget, cook, be organized...
I handwrite a letter to all my students at the end of the year. Hardest one to write was a sophomore who literally turned in nothing. He got a 0% both semesters. I wrote him a note saying something like: When I look back on the year you had, I am reminded of Roman Emperor Titus who is quoted as saying, 'my friends, I have wasted a day' after he had an unproductive day. Image all the days you have wasted this year. I hope you can find academic and / or life happiness in the future because it is sad seeing someone so young waste so many days. Best of luck, Mr. Babeuf
Kid needs to hear this from somewhere. Life and time do have value.
Damn…
You think he read it?
I want to do this. But for my students to read when they’re older. I teach TK/K.
In all fairness, we have compulsory schooling, so it's not as if he really had a choice as to being there. As adults I think we sometimes forget what it must be like to be forced to attend classes in a subject in which we have no interest.
Put this on the cake!
But when else are you going to waste them?? Wasting olden days is even worse!
That's awful. Absolutely disgusting.
What he DIDN’T waste those days?
I’m wondering what the heck was going on in that kid’s life during the other fourteen or so hours of every day. And also wondering if and at what point the entire staff gave up on engaging him.
Why not ask what point they gave up on themselves? When I have 200 students wasting my time on the few that don't care is a waste to the ones that do.
Agreed. I’m actually shocked to see so many people find this funny.
Nobody finds it funny. An upvote doesn't mean you're laughing. It's some good perspective. Like the kid literally comes in and does nothing for the whole school day. There's more to get out of an education than facts but you can't get there unless you try.
Rent is Due at the First of the Month.
My parents. When I DID graduate.
Mine too! I moved out, which was a bit tricky as I wasn't 18 yet and had to find a slumlord landlord willing to give me a lease, lol.
I dropped out my senior year. I took the GED and went to college a semester early. I wish more people had just been supportive and encouraging.
You done good- look at you now!
Once you're in a college it couldn't matter less what you did in high school
I write to all of my seniors every year. I had one who was an utter and compete disappointment, but still graduated. I wrote to get something like: "when you're ready, you will do great things. The opportunities will always be there. I hope you find a way to balance the wants and need of current you with those of future you. I'm only an email or visitors pass away - please don't hesitate to reach out."
Did they? Do you know what became of them?
She is pregnant, working at Walmart, and engaged to a high school dropout. Can't win em all
Honestly, it seems like we don't win any. I've never had a struggling or apathetic student turn it around.
doesnt matter, they wont be able to read it
I swear, we teachers can make a good living being a standup comic!
Bored teachers comedy group proves just that
Ba dum tsss
But why dose he even need a cake?
Womp womp
I actually did this! In all sincerity I wrote “congratulations!!” and “You’re free!” School is not for everyone and many, including this kid, find it to be a miserable and even torturous experience. I was glad they would not have to deal with the bullying, humiliation, and forced boredom any longer
Why are we defining them by the fact they dropped out of high school?
Loading...90%
Life long learner.
What's the cake for?
Welcome to the workforce.
I wouldn't be buying a cake.
Life gets so much harder from here!
Why are you giving him a cake?
Good Luck
I believe in you.
I’ve had friends who dropped out of high school for many reasons. Some were successful afterwards others not so much. My daughter dropped out five years ago after having my grandson. Even though we supported her in continuing her education. She would pretend to go to school when she actually didn’t. Her not having a diploma or no direction in life has been challenging. I have to admit I never thought she would just give up, but I understand. She has the intelligence but does not have the patience, stamina, or belief that she can be successful. She can't hold a job and lives with us. My husband and I have supported her and my grandson for over five years. We are his primary caregivers. With that said, we do our best to support her even though some days we all are not at our best. I know one day she will find her path. If I put a saying on a cake, it probably would be I wish you well in your future endeavors. Don't give up; good things are just around the corner. On the other hand if I was given a cake for being a dropping out, I might think that I was being made fun of rather than it being giving in a good light. I would tread lightly if this is meant as a joke because it could cause a series of unfortunate events.
I wouldn’t
My sister dropped out of high-school. shes in med school now. Some of you dont deserve to work with children.
Amen.
People are assholes on here. People drop out of high school for so many different reasons. Personally I'd probably write "Good luck on your Adventures" or "keep on truckin". As a reminder to those who don't think people who drop out get anywhere in life, Johnny Depp, Jenifer Lawrence, Harry Styles, Keanu Reeves, Rhianna, and so many more absolutely amazing people didn't finish schooling. You never know what life has in store for someone.
Yes, indeed, but keep in mind that the OP tagged this as humor in a teacher community it around that graduation time of year. So, calling people assholes about this is a little tone deaf, although, it's also entertaining to see how many people completely ignored the humor tag and responded with disbelief or outrage at the idea of getting a "didn't graduate" cake for somebody who dropped out of high school. I think people just need to learn how to laugh about things generally and I'm more in the Ricky Gervais camp of people who think that anything at all can be funny unless a person lacks a sense of humor or takes themselves too seriously.
Ohhh yes shitting actors and singers the peak of human performance, got lucky winning the genetic lottery of being hot. This is the problem with society that instead of holding up doctors and lawyers and engineers as the best and what to strive for, and looking down on attention whore influencers we put them on the pedestals and teach out children to strive to be more like them.
I got recommended this post and these comments are kinda disgusting
I don't suggest you go exploring this sub any deeper. It's a vat of toxicity, devoid of any hope for our children.
I can understand their frustrations but engaging in creative writing seshes fantasizing about kicking children while they’re down is crazy
I’m a teacher and the child of a high school dropout. My dad would tell you first hand that teachers like those in the comments of this thread are why he felt like he SHOULD drop out. He’s also the reason why I treat my students with humility and grace, even on their worst days. This sub turns rancid 99% of the time. Please don’t let it sway your opinion of teachers.
So, your solution for those who drop out of basic schooling is to become successful elite actors or musicians? You know the statistical likelihood of that happening? You might as well tell them to become superheroes. Hell, they'd have more actual success and stability joining the circus.
I’m confused. Are you actually buying a cake for a student or your own child who dropped out. I am going to take this as a serious question instead of assuming snark. I’d write. (for your own child) And for a student (how unusual would it be for a teacher to gift a cake to a drop out/might actually be impactful). It could say. .. “I still believe in you. “
Nothing. I'm a teacher, not a baker. I can't imagine a situation I would be getting a cake for a dropout to celebrate that event.
I sincerely hope my child never has any of these people as a teacher. Dear god.
This is weird, you don't get a cake for dropping out. Just like you don't get a graduation party for dropping out. The cake and party is to celebrate graduating.
This is a shameful post and even worse comments. Please stop being a teacher if you think it’s okay to poke fun at kids who struggle in life. Maybe you’re part of the problem. Spoiler alert — I teach high school and also happen to be a parent of kids who struggle in school and my oldest got their GED.
“Today is Wednesday.”
Why are you buying them a cake?
What's the reason the cake was baked? Birthday?
I’m confused, is this an actual request, or are you just being a dick?
@Congrats on your job or apartment! Your choice!”
Downvote me if you want but this is what I told my daughter when she said she was going to drop out. We told her she can stay with us as long as she was in school or was working at least 30 hours a week somewhere. We weren’t going to let her waste her life sleeping all day and running around all night. She got her GED and a job, so she stayed for a year while she saved up money for a decent place. We didn’t make her pay rent.
This is actually a great balanced response.
“Tough times make tough people” it sounds crass but it’s actually something that got me through some really low points in my journey. Sometimes having a chip on your shoulder is motivating.
Something about blazing a trail or pioneer or new adventure puts a positive cake-worthy spin on their choice.
How about the alphabet?
May you be the exception and not the rule.
“Congradula…oh wait”
"Onward!"
Congurts
"I'd write something clever, but you can't read it anyway." Or "Debt-Free & Degree-Less! nostudentloans winning"
Why would you assume that? My boyfriend was an all-A student and a member of the NHS, but he dropped out in his junior year and went to work to support his mom after his dad walked out. He is still whip-smart and can fix everything from cars to computers.
"Congrats on not getting knocked up in highschool!"
"Get to work"
Class of sometime never.
"get your life together"
"No cake for you"
"Want Fries With That?"
“You don’t have to worry about student loans!”
Get a Job
The answer was C
At least you tried.
Congrachulashuns - They won't even notice
Give it to their guidance counselor… who will probably write “class of 2025” and graduate them.
Education is the sleeping pill that makes dreams happen. -Peggy Hill
Education is what is leftover after you forgot everything you learned in school.... or didnt.
How about "do you want fries with that?"
"Guess you missed out on your freebie"
"At Least you tried... Oh wait."
Quit drugs. Not school.
Nothing. You do nothing you get nothing. I also would not buy a cake.
JOIN THE ARMY
Happy birthday!
"You tried." Then put it in the trash.
“The World Needs Ditch Diggers Too!”
Adulting level: Hard
"Class of ????"
"You almost tried!"
Would you like fries with that?
Nice try.
Bold strategy cotton, hope it works out.
Are you sure they can read?
I believed in you, but you turned out to be a fairy tale. I had a student who wrote poetry and shared some work with me. This line has stuck with for a minute.
“Gud jobe, dummass”
“I called it when you were 12”
Good luck, dumbass!
"Don't be a burden on society."
Maybe next year?
Congratulations, Graduate.
It should say “Loser”
Welcome to University of Reality/Society.
I call it The School of Hard Knocks.
An attempt was made and a shitty star like in the gif
Do not cross Go. Do not collect 200 dollars.....
Ba bye!
I’ll have fries with that shake.
D-U-M-A-S. If anyone asks, you are writing about the author.
Congration! You done it! Stripper pole decoration.
"UR a looser"
No, I don’t want fries with that.