Being a teenager has never been easy, especially in high school. With the stress of homework, keeping up with relationships and responsibilities, and the pressure of what lies ahead outside of high school, how can we deal with stress in a healthy way?
Beginning high school can be a really difficult time in life. Adjusting to a new environment and brand new people and upperclassmen can be overwhelming as a freshman. Lyla Schuwho, a freshman at NYC Museum School, said she finds it stressful when she has big projects due, and tests or essays to write. To combat this stress she tries to surround herself with her friends and people she genuinely likes. Finding good people to hang out with and who support you can really make a difference with dealing with stress lifting you rather than down.
Junior year is notorious for being the most stressful year of high school. This is when you have to lock in and make sure your grades are in top shape for college applications. Most students love to refer to junior year as “hell year” which can be very true. Grant Blout, a junior at Museum, talked about the stress of junior year and how he manages the stress that comes with high school. “I feel stressed pretty frequently throughout the day, but it really depends on the schedule and what is going on in each class.” At Museum, students are encouraged to take harder classes like AP United States History (APUSH), AP English Language and Composition (Lang), and AP Statistics depending on what math the student took sophomore year. Blount takes two AP’s, APUSH and Lang. To manage the stress of these classes, Blount says having friends to go over work and to study with, and making sure they understand the material together, are solutions.
As for senior year, once college applications and decisions are made, autopilot turns on. Despite senioritis, students still feel stressed. Elyes Bouchik, a Museum senior, talked about how his. “…stress comes from school and managing to keep my grades up. To deal with my stress I try to do things I love.” Making sure you set time for leisure and time for work can help make sure one does not get in the way of the other.
From a teacher’s perspective at Museum, Ms. Mazzella gave her insight. Ms. Mazzella, the 12th grade history and psychology teacher, shared how she helps her students when they are struggling with stress. She tries to create an environment where her students feel comfortable and are able to talk to her. Having someone you can talk to is a very beneficial stress reliever rather than holding it all in until you can no longer hold it in.
As a current junior who takes AP’s, what stresses me out is keeping good grades and starting to prepare for the college application process. I’ve found that what’s helpful for me is to make a spreadsheet keeping track of all my assignment deadlines and prioritizing which ones are due first. Additionally, taking naps can be beneficial as I know if I work without stopping, the fatigue will catch up and prevent me from doing my best work. My last piece of advice, and probably the most important one, is to maintain positive and supportive relationships with teachers. This will ensure that they know how to help you and your needs on a more personal and beneficial level. One last thing, take advantage of office hours!
