Stresses of college

The media below contains the opinion of an individual student and therefore does not represent or speak to the values of Vestavia Hills High School and Vestavia Hills City Schools**

College is stressful; of that, there’s no doubt. Whether by human nature, the systematic-pressure-inducing educational experience, or “just because,” we stand at the precipice of the unknown—otherwise known as everything college—and cannot help but worry. In reality, there have been college students before us, and we must understand that there will continue to be more after us. Yet we stay worried. We stay worried because, all things considered, our lives so far have been decent at the very least, and honestly, that’s completely reasonable.

Photo Credits: ThoughtCo

It’s a known fact that we fear the unknown—I mean, it’s a biological development that benefited our ancestors, helping them fight off stealthy cougars and all else that hides in the deep, dark forests of ancient Earth. Our brains naturally try to predict and therefore prepare for the near future. We’re good at living in the short term; just look at any politician. What I’m trying to say is that it’s not shameful, special, or sullying to be afraid of college and the next steps we’re about to take. One friend said,

“I’ve heard everything about college. I’ve heard it’s fun, and I’ve heard it’s trash. I just hope I’ll have the first option.”

We know that college CAN be great, but we’re not sure and, thus, afraid. Here are a few tips. First, prepare thoroughly this year. Don’t let yourself stress over homework, tests, and grades; just do everything as early as possible and with as much organization as you can. The last thing senior year should be about is whether you’ll 1. Graduate or 2. Make all the A’s you wanted. Secondly, ENJOY your senior year. You’re more likely to graduate from Harvard than to stick with your high school friends into adulthood, let alone till death. What sticks with you are the memories, and that’s what you need to make this year. Lastly, stop caring so much about trivial things. You’re never going to see 90% of the faces you pass in the hallway… never ever ever again! Live a little! You pass through life one, singular, short-seeming, never-enough, never-content, never-truly-happy time. Enjoy it.

“I don’t want to think about it right now. I’m saving that for the second semester.”

We all feel the looming storms above reeking of “grown-up stench”—the ever-present threat of adulthood, loss of innocence, and mysterious decay of life and joy. It’s not actually that bad. Take a look at all the adults in your life, and while at first they may seem depressed, realize that they were ALSO kids once. There must be something that keeps all 7 billion of these adults alive, and while the burden and responsibility of children and family may play a huge role, there has to be something to look forward to. I promise that you’ll find joy somewhere in life, even if it’s not exactly where you expected it to be.

“I like to play video games. I like to eat. It’s like constant nagging in the back of my head. It’s just kind of annoying, distracting. It makes the days faster, and that’s a good thing. Having stress prepares you; you focus and confront your problems” -Jeffrey

Jeffrey, an exceptionally brilliant student at our humble school, describes his relationship with stress. He describes how he escapes its clutches; the constant aching that breaks masses. Yet he overcomes. He takes that challenge and reaches higher. Jeffrey is an example of a superstar. We can’t even dream of emulating his greatness, but we can certainly take inspiration, no matter how great a travesty our attempts may be. Stress is an intrinsic part of human life. It’s an instinct built to push us, not bring us down. Keep pushing.

Enough said about that. Please take this one lesson with you, and please take it to heart—I beg of you. Whether I’ve met you once or twice, whether I’ve called you friend or foe, and whether I’ve said it or not, I wish the best for all of you. I sincerely believe that you’ll all make it, whatever your passions are. Don’t be afraid to proudly pursue the arts, sciences, or humanities that bring tingling sensations throughout your entire mind; don’t be afraid to put yourself first before the societal, familiar, or peer-fed expectations of who you should and shouldn’t be. Take a stab at life, how you want to approach it, because, as cliché and overheard as it is, it’s your life. You’ll live with both the highs and lows and joys and sorrows and successes and mistakes. Please do whatever makes you and those around you happy.