Get good grades, get into a good college, get a high-paying job. These words are all too familiar for many TCHS students, and the pressure to do well only increases as we approach AP exam season.
Inside TCHS is a culture of high-achievers. It arises from parental expectations and competitive friends, and it exhausts and stresses out many. This culture even affects those outside of it; those without AP exams to prepare for still find themselves subject to the stress all around them.
Many of our peers place a lot of emphasis on academics—which is great until you realize how detrimental it is to student health. Students pack on AP courses, extracurriculars and athletics to maintain a glowing transcript. These days, school is an exhausting battle against an increasingly competitive admissions process, and behind every fighter is a tired overachiever.
Despite feeling like a breeding ground for competitiveness, TCHS provides many opportunities and resources for students to escape the overachiever culture.
One example is our counseling department. The counseling office is a judgement-free zone and our counselors are there to support each college and career decision.
“Counselors are always here to support students,” counselor Nate Slaymaker said. “Your counselor is a safe person to talk to about anything. You will never feel like you are ‘in trouble’ with your counselor. We always advocate for students and have your best interest in mind.”
Just one email or trip to the counseling office can answer your questions and concerns about academics, college, career and even life. Our counselors only want what is best for each student, and they remind us that there is more to high school than the admission letters come senior spring.
TCHS also offers a wide range of performing and fine arts courses that help students manage stress by participating in activities that they are passionate about. There are also numerous CTE courses that introduce students to career education such as Sports Medicine and Engineering Design Technology.
These classes prepare students after graduation by emphasizing career-readiness and gives students the opportunity to find their true calling.
Of course, there’s no right way to go through high school. If you’re loading your schedule with AP classes and extracurriculars that you love, wholeheartedly, more power to you. But for many of us out there, our schedules likely have more AP classes than what we’re willing to take.
It’s great to have four-year plans and ambitious goals for high school, but it’s also important to prioritize mental and physical health.
Remember to set aside time for self-care and take productive breaks. It may feel like the list of things to get done is never-ending but remind yourself there are tasks you can afford to let go. Catch some sun, take a shower and spend time with your loved ones.
Life is neither a race nor a battle. We are still young and just starting our journey to figuring out who we are and what our passions are. Ten years from now, we’ll find happiness beyond straight A’s and perfect scores.