High school is one of the fundamental steps teens take to get introduced to what real life is going to be like. You are not only exposed to academics, but also to different social settings that can define your perception of life. School can create many different outcomes for students because even though it helps you build academic knowledge, the pressure felt from that can affect your mental health. 

Here in Florida, academic achievement is very competitive; it’s something most high schoolers stress out about. There’s always going to be different types of students— those who are good at every subject and others who are good at one and not the other. This makes students second-guess themselves. Then they start asking themselves things like, “am I really going to make it?” or “am I not smart enough?” This causes them to start feeling down and stressed. A senior at Olympia High School, Astrid Barrow states that ”the pressure is very high, especially since my senior class is filled with smart and dedicated students”.

Since the thought of not meeting your academic goals is already stressful, the added stress of not knowing if you’re going to fit in is something most students worry about as well. High school is not only about getting good grades, test scores, and GPA, it’s also about making connections. For some students, making new friends comes naturally, but for others, it may pose a challenge. Most of the people you meet in high school have different backgrounds and personalities, which makes it hard for some people to really connect with the people they meet. 

One of the most important things to do in high school is extracurricular activities because they not only look good on your college application, but they also provide a sturdy support system for times when you need it most. Many students make connections participating in activities, while the students who are not as involved have a harder time finding people to hang out with and rely on.

Students try to combine academic excellence and being able to fit in, but sometimes it can get too overwhelming. Barrow explains what her hardest year was and how she managed to balance her school life and her social life as well. She states, “Definitely my junior year! With AP Calc on my schedule and swim after school, balancing everything was overwhelming.” 

When the school year comes to an end for some students, it’s time to rest and reflect on all the things they accomplished. For others, it’s time to make sure that their mental health is their priority.