Let’s be real—high school is a complicated journey that feels like you’re walking on a tightrope while trying to juggle flaming swords. In other words, it feels like you have a lot on your plate. Everyone says that these are the ‘best years of your life,’ though it doesn’t seem that way with all the stress those years create. With all the assignments, tests, quizzes, and efforts to maintain a balanced social life, it’s a lot – especially having to choose what you want to do with your life by 17 years old. With all this pressure, how is it possible to make it through high school successfully? 

As high school students across all grade levels, we all must realize that finding the necessary balance between classes, sports, and hobbies can create a balanced lifestyle free from unnecessary stress. Creating a balanced schedule can significantly prevent burnout or mental health issues, altogether fostering  meaningful relationships between your peers down the road. When asked about methods to avoid stress, English teacher Brook Zelcer advises students to “first, stop doom scrolling. Bring a book to school so that you don’t default to your phone every time you have a spare five minutes. And get outside. Get some perspective. Take a walk. Watch some birds.” 

Likewise, similar can be said from a student’s perspective, no matter the grade level. Senior and multi-sport athlete Alex Orecchio said, “Lean on people around you. You’re not alone in what you’re going through. Use resources like friends, family, and the school staff to help you out! Listening to music is the number one thing I do to calm down. Also talking to friends, praying, and deep breathing all help.”

Establishing motivational and realistic goals throughout your high school journey can also make your life much easier even when the pressures of high school become difficult to face. Especially during times like applying to college and AP testing. Being able to manage time is very difficult to do in general. Junior Aidan Nally said that proper goal setting often allows him to think more positively about any upcoming tests or exams. Nally quickly found that “if you are able to manage your time, having fun comes easy as you have nothing to worry about.” 

However, as high school students, it is very important to prioritize your physical and mental health. Mindlessly setting unrealistic goals or facing significant stress can harm your mental health. There are many different goals for students to create that are simple to accomplish with the proper work ethic, like developing a consistent sleeping schedule and healthy diet in order to stay focused and remain healthy at all times. At academically and athletically demanding public schools like NVOT, The pressures to perform can often take a toll on students. Zelcer said, “Life is stressful enough but when combined with the academic pressure that comes with being a student at an ‘elite’ public school it can become overwhelming.” 

History teacher Christine Massaro has a similar message, saying that students face many “internal pressures like high expectations for perfect grades,” as most have a schedule filled with extracurriculars, and have little time for decompression and relaxation throughout the week. Massaro also says that students also face “external pressures like teachers, coaches, parents, tutors,” which can make high school life an extremely challenging experience. 

Therefore, seeking the necessary support can lighten the weight on the students’ shoulders no matter the difficulties we may encounter. Whether it’s through extra help sessions or the wellness center, NVOT makes their best effort to strive to help students in the best ways possible. Some teachers often serve as a  model for their class by emphasizing the well-being of students and by getting closer with their students. This creates a professional relationship to make them feel more comfortable in class. Having a good relationship with your teachers can even allow them to notice when a student is feeling stressed. Many teachers make it known that their students are allowed to get closer with them. Physical Education teacher Lindsay Steffner finds that at often times “students will talk to me about their stress and I’m always a person they can trust and point them in the right direction for additional resources.” 

Massaro also added, “I am a big believer in giving students time in class to breathe, reconnect with the present—sometimes as simple as looking out the window at the trees and pointing out the beautiful campus. Also, I always greet my students at the door individually and that gives me a gauge of not just the individual student’s mood, but also the class in general.”

Getting through high school isn’t just about passing tests and grades—it’s about growing up. Whether you are an incoming freshman or a senior counting down the days until your high school journey is over, there is still a lot left to learn. It’s learning who you are when something goes wrong, finding people who will stay by your side, and standing on your own two feet on a daily basis. High school will throw a lot at you—drama, doubt, and above all—stress. So embracing these challenges and obstacles head on can properly simplify our high school experience in many ways.