Attending high school in Jamaica is as fun as it is challenging. Although each instituition has their own unique culture, there are some experiences that all Jamaican high schoool students can relate to. Here are 6 things every Jamaican high schooler can identify with:

1. Gathering for devotions/general assembly
General devotion/general assembly is a must at every school in Jamaica. Some may have it once a week and others have it everyday. This is where the entire school community gathers for prayers and general announcements. There is usually a meeting point at the school large enough to hold everyone. General devotion is hectic for some people and sometimes requires standing for long, excruciating minutes. God go with you if the principal or a guest of honour gets a hold of the microphone.

2. Racing to the canteen/tuck shop
Are you even a Jamaican high schooler if you’ve never experienced the hardships associated with buying lunch or snacks at your school’s tuck shop? I don’t know why but Jamaican high schools always seem to have more students than their tuckshop can serve.

3. Cute couple everyone thinks will last a lifetime
You guys have to back me up on this one. Every Jamaican high schooler knows those two students who are in a relationship, they are very public and are always with each other. Teachers know them and everyone admires them and hopes they’ll be invited to the wedding and baby shower one day. You guys know I’m telling the truth! Who was the hot couple at your high school?

4. One teacher with a beating stick
In general, Jamaican teachers are sticklers for discipline. But there is always that one teacher – not the principal or the dean of discipline – who takes discipline to another level. It’s like they wrote the rule book and they spend as much time making sure that you adhere to the rules as much as they spend teaching. That’s also the teacher that will smack you if you fall out of line.

5. One beloved vendor
Most Jamaican schools deter vendors from selling on school compounds so vendors with the best sweet treats and accessories tend to hustle at the school gate. Listen every high schooler knows that one vendor who has been at the school gate since it’s inception and loved by students and teachers alike. They are the reason why lunch monies and fares are short on a daily basis because most can’t resist the accessories they always have.

6. That one teacher who takes their job seriously

Now I know most teachers in the education system understand the important assisgnment they’ve been given. But every Jamaican high schooler knows that one teacher who does not miss a beat. Always has an assignment and will be having class whether there is a fire, hurricane sports day and even on the last day of school when everyone else is taking it easy. You guys know I’m not lying and I’m sure you can name that teacher right now.

Jamaican teachers are a blessing to our country. We know it is impossible to repay them for the invaluable service they give so l let’s salute them by excelling in our studies and being good citizens so they can be encouraged to keep playing their part in building our nation.

Walk good!