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.