What is relaxation? The term is unfamiliar to me as the school year starts to take off. Being busy is something I have under the ropes, and having the saying, “sorry I have to work” as an automatic response. How do high school students manage everything that they do without going crazy and having a mental breakdown? Well, they don’t. Everyone has things that they have to deal with. Between going to school, work, family time, social time, homework and extracurricular activities, how is anyone suppose to have time for it all?

The pressure of scholarships, college applications, and college classes, can turn senior year into a nightmare. Being able to get through the last year without wanting to drop out and enter the fast food world is a minor miracle. During my freshman year, I watched my brother and my parents’ constant arguments about what he wanted to do with his life and where he wanted to go to get the education to do it. The reality of the fact is no one knows for sure if what they decide to major in at the end of their senior year of high school is what they are going to be studying their sophomore year of college. There isn’t enough time in the day for the preparation that would lead to a one hundred percent positive answer. After going to school all day, working or relaxing afterwards, and homework to follow, your education leaves you with no time to do anything else that would make you stand out on an application.

Family time and social time are an important part of your days regardless of what anyone else thinks. It’s crucial to have social time in order to mature and be more comfortable with not being awkward around people out there in the real world. I see my mom for maybe a couple of hours out of the entire week if neither of us have to work that weekend. Before I pack my bags for college, I’m trying to fit as much time as possible in with my family and friends. Time management is vital to having a successful experience in high school. It’s a skill that few people have at this age, but a skill that needs to be taught at an earlier age. Of course there will have to be sacrifices made, but there is a way to have a well-rounded social life, and an academic life on top of extracurricular activities as well as time to recharge your batteries.

Good balance is a great way to start the road to an excellent high school experience. School should always come first, although I know this doesn’t always happen; having your priorities set is the most important thing. You shouldn’t have to sacrifice everything for good grades and a good résumé.