When I think back on my high school career, I think of stress. I think of late nights cramming for tests and overstudying information that I wasn't even going to be tested on. I was one of those students that would ignore the review sheet and study every little thing, because what if it was on the test anyway? I was a ball of anxiety and I often wondered if the stress and frustration was worth it.

Here's what I have to say about high school: work hard, but not hard enough that you have to sacrifice things for your schoolwork. You should be able to go out with friends, and play sports. You should even have time to relax every once in a while. High schoolers these days are so worried about doing well and about getting into a good college that they don't realize how much they are giving up just for a good grade. Plus, if we're being honest here, the students who are so nervous about grades will probably do well no matter how much work they put into studying. It's just a matter of how well.

If I could go back and change something, I'd worry about school less. Don't get me wrong, being a hard worker is extremely rewarding, but I can confidently say that I would be in the exact same place I am right now even if I had failed a few times. Lots of tears were shed over the past four years of my life, but lots of battles were won. I think a little bit of stress is good and healthy for students, but stress to the point of tears and breakdowns isn't worth anything. You will get into college. It may not be your first choice, but that happens to so many people regardless of how hard they work.

I wish I could sit down with every high schooler and give them the advice they need, but for obvious reasons, I can't do that. I want students to know that high school matters, but it doesn't matter enough that you should be sacrificing your mental health for homework and tests. Study hard, but stop when you feel like you can't do it anymore. What more could you possibly do if you reach the point of a breakdown? Don't pull all-nighters, they will RUIN you. Sleep matters, and if you go to sleep earlier, then you can get to school early and finish that homework you were about to sob all over because it didn't make sense.

High school should be an overall good experience for everyone. Although it's easier said than done, don't let stress hinder your ability to have fun. Let loose every once in a while, and understand that half the battle of high school is showing up.