By Katrina Bergey
Stress is a feeling every single person has felt. By definition, stress is a state of mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or very demanding circumstances. Most people can not go a single day without feeling some type of stress or hearing about other’s stresses. Today, high school students are feeling the pressure of stress more than ever. It may not be the same stress that adults feel about housing or bills, but there are still several stressors.
As a senior, there are various things to stress about. Where will you go to college? Will you go to college? What will you major in? Where will you work? How will you pay for it? These are just a few of the many daunting questions looming over each senior. It can be intense and incredibly stressful to be asked to make a decision that will no doubt have a monumental impact on your life.
Seniors are not the only students feeling the stress. The youth of all ages have been more apt to feeling stress throughout their school life. Building up to senior year, some students prep for standardized tests. They devote their time and energy to obtaining desirable grades. Certain students take rigorous AP and college classes. Many people then go home to spend several hours on homework or to study. Students can really start to feel the stress and pressure when it comes to academics.
Students also have to juggle going to school with their extracurricular activities and practices. Choosing to be involved in extracurriculars is a choice, but many choose to because of pure enjoyment and social interaction. Some students spend almost 14 hours a day at school because of all their activities. Long days can quickly lead to exhaustion and sleep deprivation. These students also must compete for each spot they earn whether that be on the stage, court, or classroom. The constant competition can lead to an increase in stress levels.
On top of school and school-related activities, many students, especially in our area, work on a regular basis. Working is important for large amounts of students because it helps them to pay for their belongings. Work can quickly take up the rest of your night after school or your days on the weekend. Students also spend time volunteering. These volunteer hours are extremely rewarding and important for all students to do and can cut down on the time you have. It is crucial to have time management skills to help you succeed in all these different endeavors.
Social status can be another factor that leads to stress. Students now more than ever feel the need to fit in. Social media is everywhere. It is accessed by most students which can lead to people trying harder and harder to be like the people they see online. As children, it seems extremely important to fit in; therefore, if a child does not feel that they fit in it can lead to additional stress.
Grades, extracurriculars, work, and volunteering are the biggest reasons students feel stressed. Researchers used to believe the stress of school was considered “good,” but many are finding it now leads to mental health issues and could potentially hurt their academics. It is awesome and important to be involved and do well in your studies. However, be sure to make time for relaxation. If you ever feel overwhelmed or stressed, talk to someone, break things down step by step, and breath.
Katrina Bergey is a student at Fillmore Central High School. She is one of eight area students participating in the Journal Writing Project, now in its 20th year.