We have all had those moments as being smart students in class. Having good grades was seen as intelligence and success, but as we have gotten older many responsibilities have been stacked onto us.
This shift is seen during high school where workload increases dramatically. AP and Honors classes, standardized testing, extracurricular activities and pressure about college applications all overlapping at the same time. What used to be manageable can quickly become overwhelming.
Many high-achieving students also place enormous pressure on themselves. When someone is so used to getting straight A’s, one low grade can feel like a failure. Overtime constant pressure can damage motivation and mental health. School stops feeling like a reward and starts feeling like a nonstop cycle of deadlines and stress.
Another major issue is that many students are not used to studying consistently. In earlier grades, we can easily get an A by just paying attention and doing basic homework.
Though some may argue that high school is designed to prepare students for college and adult responsibilities so the workload would be more difficult. So from this perspective it is necessary to prepare students for the real world.
However, this does not take into account students having the same skills, such as learning how to study, organize and manage time.
Through my experience, I used to easily get A’s through my classes but as the courses became more rigorous. My grades started to take a hit and I had to learn how to study effectively and manage my schedule better just to keep up.
Social media can negatively affect students during this time. Where students compare themselves to other people who seem to have perfect grades, sport achievements and leadership positions.
Burnout has become increasingly common for many students, according to polygence. Students stay up late every night studying for tests and trying to meet deadlines.
The worst part is teachers and parents focus on our grades without looking at the stress behind it. Although a report card may show grades, it does not show the endless nights of stress, anxiety, or the pressure causing these changes.
But at the same time struggling can lead to growth. Many students begin to learn important skills like time management, prioritization and organization. Which is essential for students when pressure starts to build up.
Over time, I’ve realized that barely passing didn’t mean that I stopped trying. It was that I was trying to balance the workload that was suddenly put on me. It helped me accept to focus less on perfection but rather improving little by little.
