Opinions are divided on whether students should study until they reach the age of 18. On the one hand, I believe that the answer depends on their future career choices.
I think that continuing to study until grade twelve offers certain benefits for academically gifted students, as it provides them with better career prospects and personal development. Regarding the former, even though a high school diploma is not worth much in the career market, it is still a prerequisite to enroll in universities and colleges since it demonstrates a student’s sufficient acquired theoretical knowledge. As a result, high school graduates tend to earn more than those who do not. With regard to the latter, twelve years of studying provides students with life-long skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork skills. These sets of skills significantly assist people when pursuing tertiary education, as it helps them study effectively and productively.
However, it may be advantageous for those who are skilled within a certain niche to drop out early, as doing so could provide them with certain benefits. One of them is that they may get a head start over the competition if quitting school. Up-and-coming athletes are a great example of this, as being able to wholeheartedly focus on their career could allow them to get established earlier than the others. Another benefit could be that they could make better use of their youth, which is highly sought-after in the entertainment industry. For instance, companies like Disney usually seek young talents to appeal the youth demographic. Moreover, for talented aspiring actors, dropping out early to pursue acting gigs could be a smart decision.
In conclusion, there is no one-size-fits-all answer regarding whether students should complete their twelve-year education. While a high school diploma could be beneficial for most students, especially those who are academically gifted, it is not likely the case for people pursuing less traditional jobs, such as athletes or entertainers.