School Often Feels Artificial to Me

Salam alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh. Am I the only Muslim student in a mixed, secular school who finds the whole atmosphere infantilizing and empty? I want to learn, but it often feels like we’re treated as if we can’t handle serious things - constant games, activities, and overly simplified moral lessons just to keep us “engaged.” There’s this assumption that students are immature, uninterested, or incapable of deeper thought. What really wears me down is the lack of shared purpose. It seems like everyone’s there out of obligation - teachers for the paycheck, students because parents or grades demand it - not because they believe in something meaningful. That makes everything feel staged: forced participation, catchy slogans, and values that are talked about but not actually practiced. Sometimes they even single out and reward the few who do practice things like respect and honesty, as if those traits are optional extras. On the other hand, things like training on the football pitch or studying Islam with the brothers feel authentic. People show up by choice, with discipline, a desire to improve, and a sense of responsibility. No one needs to be constantly entertained or prodded to take it seriously. Do others, especially Muslims in similar schools, feel this disconnect? It reminds me of what happens when we prioritize the dunya over Allah - life becomes mere play and amusement, lacking real purpose. As Allah says, “But whoever turns away from My Reminder will certainly have a miserable life” (20:124), and “Know that this worldly life is no more than play, amusement, luxury, mutual boasting, and competition in wealth and children” (57:20). A small example: once a teacher asked everyone what we do for fun, where we’ve traveled, what gifts we got, and which TV shows we watch. Subhanallah, every question was about entertainment and nothing about long-term goals or meaningful pursuits. Would love to hear if anyone else relates.