Don't let my title fool you. I care immensely about grades, believe wholeheartedly in the power of hard work, and am an avid and passionate supporter of the value of education. So, if you're not that kind of person, and, in contrast, are here for a 700-word speech on why "school isn't cool," I'm afraid you're going to be disappointed. This is not that article. However, this is an article on why the value of your high school education needs to be kept in check.

I'm not a fan of staying up late. Thursday nights filled with straight hours of homework, rather than much-needed chill time with friends at Young Life, does not appeal to me. I don't like pulling all-nighters for projects. Not big on forfeiting family time for homework.

So, I don't.

I know, I know. All you college-bound, school-savvy, honor roll kids just jumped in your skin. I'm one of your kind, and I jumped a little bit, too, to be honest. Or, at least, I used to. Until I decided it was okay.

The fact is, your life is made up of millions of moments, the majority of which are small, seemingly insignificant. We like to think the parts of our lives that "matter" are the big moments: picking a college, buying s first car, getting married. But those moments are rare. Those moments are far outnumbered by the number of moments that are spent at home eating dinner while your dad talks politics, or playing MarioKart with your annoying little siblings. The big moments are far outweighed by the small ones. Your life truly is constructed of "little moments."

Okay, Becca, that's fan-freakin-tastic. But what does that have to do with school? Did you forget what this article was about? I understand your train of thought. Normally, it would not be the wildest suggestion that Rebecca Boelsche forgot what she was talking about and cruised off onto a rant or ramble of an entirely unrelated topic. However, in this case, I will connect.

Education is so so so important. I cannot stress it enough. Not only does it offer a more expansive array of opportunities and benefits to the individual, as well as constructs a more intellectual and efficient society, but it satisfies the human mind's natural curiosity and desperate want for knowledge. Not to mention, learning is linked to growing, and we could all use some of that. I could easily write an entirely separate article on the value of learning. So, believe me, when I say, I am a front runner when it comes to support for education.

But that doesn't mean it should consume one's life.

In order to thoroughly learn anything, proper time and attention must be granted to the subject. As with all things, dedication is imperative for success. School is no exception. But there are only so many of your limited "little moments" that you can give to school. I mean, if you spend all your time learning about life, you're going to miss the chance to live it! (I think some famous whosit said that...). While knowing about the world grants ways for further and more comprehensive appreciation for it, sometimes you need to let go and just live it.

Now, what I'm not saying is screw homework, stay home and watch Netflix all day, and become an eventual high school drop-out at age 16. That will not yield the results you hope for, I promise that much.

However, I am saying that, if it comes to choosing between enjoying a Sunday afternoon playing card games and Quiplash with your goofy family, or a Sunday afternoon pent up in your room reading that next chapter of history, choose the former. Family is important. Life is important.

This world, this life, is all about balance. Try to find a balance between working for a life, and living one. And it'd be okay if, on your deathbed, when you're perusing the chapters of Life's Grand Adventure and comparing memories of loved ones and textbooks, you decide that school really doesn't matter. That'd be just alright.