Students want a 4.0 and want A’s on tests. Athletes want the highest stat percentage and want to work to win. Pile all that on one person, and they’re expected to fail.

Academic stress is not a new thing, it’s just something that we have accepted as students. Throughout students’ education, learning has become more important, causing stress. My first impression of high school is that it’s very harsh on the students, physically and mentally

It’s this situation that a lot of people have. I want to be equally good in both my sport and in school, and have time for me and my high school experience. Some weeks I fall asleep on my desk during my homework, and then I wake up the next morning more stressed than I was the night before.

I have seen other students with the same issues, like the same people with energy drinks everyday to stay awake during the school week. I have friends that will go to sleep past 12 doing homework after a late night from a school event. 

People tell me that I should take a day off of school to take a break, but then I would become more behind in all of my classes. It’s this never-ending cycle of school stress everyday. Where every idea that I have to make me less stressed feels like it comes with a heavy consequence.

On top of all of this school, I don’t have a day without volleyball or strength training. But I have so much love for my sport that I can’t quit, I have put too much work to stop. 

My journey as a high school student-athlete overall has been a constant struggle between reaching my goals and the lack of energy. I love my sport, and I want to be the best I can academically, but there are days when it feels like I’m drowning under the weight of my own expectations.

High school should be about more than just grades and stats; it should also be about finding balance, enjoying our experiences, and taking care of our mental health. After all, our high school years should be about personal growth and connections with others, not just pressure and performance.