7 Crazy Expectations Society Has Of Today's High Schoolers
Start writing a post
Sports

7 Crazy Expectations Society Has Of Today's High Schoolers

Everything a high school student is expected to find a balance between.

2107
7 Crazy Expectations Society Has Of Today's High Schoolers
Google Images

High school is nothing like the movies or TV shows. It's especially not like Pretty Little Liars (I've never once seen Spencer do homework yet she has a perfect GPA). If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably spent countless nights crying to your mom about the insanely difficult test you have the next day or about the immense stress you’re in, due to the endless list of things you have to get through. I honestly believe that the reason for all that pressure in your life isn’t because of your pushy parents wanting the best from you but because of the ridiculous list of expectations society has placed on our youth.

Thus, I have created a list of expectations I personally have experienced throughout high school. Here’s what society tells you:

Sports

It’s not enough for you to be in a sport for fun or to get in shape. You’re expected to be an amazing athlete that is breaking school records left and right. Don’t expect to get any coaching from the coach if you aren’t one of those star athletes because all of their time is spent on them. Also, one sport isn’t enough. Athletes are those who participate in three or more varsity sports. Excelling and dedication to one sport is insufficient.

Academics

If you aren’t getting straight A’s with a heavy course load, don’t even think to call yourself smart. How do you achieve those A’s? Through the two hours (per class) of homework. That’s the minimum. I can remember staying up past midnight to finish a project, a few too many times. What colleges really like to see even more than a high GPA is a high ACT score. A score that doesn’t even take into account the determination and drive of a student but apparently it’s predictability of success in a student is completely reliable to determine whether accepted or not.

Extracurricular

The more, the better! Yes, it’s absolutely necessary to have three to four clubs or student organizations you’re a part of. That won’t cut it though. Leading a club shows leadership--colleges love that. Better yet, start your own club!

Work

Get a job. You have to pay for furthering your education somehow why not work at the local Target after school until eleven that night. You’ll have plenty of time to start your homework and eat when you get home.

Social Life

On top of the mentioned, you have to be social so that you can fit in with your classmates. Just don’t drink alcohol or do drugs, even though that’s what majority of the school mates do.

Sleep

Since your health is most important, get eight and a half to nine hours of sleep. But if you wake up at 6:30 am, that means you need to go to bed at 9:30 pm.

Happiness

Most importantly, be happy. Enjoy the “best four years of your life!” Even if it causes you so much stress you’re crying.


So, easy checklist, right? Yeah, it isn’t easy for me. Let me get this straight. Today’s high schoolers are expected to take eight hours of classes, do two hours of sports practice, squeeze in extracurricular activities in between, work to receive money, finish all homework, get a healthy amount of sleep, and be happy with that chaotic lifestyle.

If that doesn’t say, “sign me up,” I don’t know what will.

No wonder the rate for teen depression continues to rise each year.

To all those who are struggling with it like I did, put your health and happiness first because nothing’s more important.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

58043
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

37391
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

959042
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

192571
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments