Counselors are constantly reminding us that honors or advanced classes are good. They help us get ahead, they will look good on our resumes, but at what cost?
The Pew Research Center explains that in 2018, 70% of teens think that depression and anxiety are a problem among their peers and still, they are pushed to constantly do better, be better, and achieve more.
The pressure to be in all honors and still be in 300 clubs, sports and activities is overwhelming. On top of that, there is an obligation to have a job and a social life and then still find time for ourselves.
At the end of the day, the time just doesn’t check out and for some people, college is not even an option.
Counselors make it seem like it is the only real post-high school plan and do everything to gear our education towards it.
Schools need to show us that there are options outside of college; there is the military, there are two-year associate programs for people wanting to go into the workforce.
The stress and anxiety of high school shouldn’t be forced on everyone– no matter what counselors say.