Speaking as someone who was a student and remembers how it was, is now an adult and a parent with a job, and all the associated bills and "things to do" lists, I can honestly say you ain't seen nothing yet. Luckily, for most people, as they grow older and more mature, they are able to cope with more and more stress.

Katie, thank you for sharing your views with the community. It sounds like you are wise beyond your years because you already know that balance is the key to dealing with stress. It is a challenge to all of us to find the right balance that works for us and our families whether we are in high school or have moved beyond that point in our lives. I agree with Jim that things do not get easier once we get older; we just have different responsibilities and choices to make, but finding balance remains the key. Make sure you do something that you want to do for yourself each day, you are the number one priority in your life and it is to short so have fun! Taking care of yourself gives you energy to handle the other things in your life and to have something to give to others as well.
Watch the people around you. Who is happy and who is not? What choices have they made in their lives that have lead to their particular outlook? I would be interested to read an article on your observations.

Thank you, Katie, for your thought-provoking article. The film "Race to Nowhere" raised some very important - and scary - points about the effects of stress on our young people today, and I believe every parent and educator should see that movie. The stress faced by children and teenagers is different, but no less valid, than that faced by adults. Parents/educators need to be aware of that and do all we can to help our young people find the balance that is so critical in life.

Stress is all around us, no matter the age. The key, at least for me, in dealing with it is to be confident in whom I am and what I can do about the assignment. Find what makes you happy and then pursue that as your life's work. Too many people in the workforce today hate their jobs and that just adds stress to their lives. School should be the stepping stone to you achieving the job you are passionate about.
I agree with you Katie there needs to be less emphasis on homework. Some homework is good as it helps you to learn good habits in completing tasks. You do need time to just relax each day even if it is only 15 minutes in front of a good book or with friends talking. Balance, as you said, is the key.

Katie
Just think of what stress the women on the UConn basketball team deal with. Classes, three hours of practice a day, traveling to away games all over the country and guess what homework. Thank your blessings you are not on that team and also thank your parents for having an interest in your school work.

I agree with you 100 %. What a wonderful, insightful writing from a young adult. I have a teenager and I believe all young adults should have some downtime. There are pressures in real life but you are only a kid once. It should be enjoyed. Just because adults have all these pressures on them by choice, the child should not have to live them before their time. As a parent of a teenager myself, each day I remember my high school life and how carefree it was. Back then,(in the olden days), my mom,(like a lot of other parents these days) was home. I didn't know the trials or pressures my parents experienced and I shouldn't have. I was a kid. The pressure you experience is from the new generation of parents where more is better and both parents work to support their greed, in turn, the children are involved in more than they want to. Sports involvement starts much younger and is more serious because it allows the parents to work longer and gives false hope that it will pay off when college comes around. Everyone wants to have children, but who ends up being a parent these days? The pressure on the children and young adults today stems from the parents. All lives are hectic but it is important to take time each day to relax in some way and be a family. It doesn't have to be go.. go.. go.. take the time each day to enjoy what you have. AS A FAMILY. As a parent.....that is your job. As for the children, if it doesn't come naturally..... ask for it. YOU DESERVE IT!! Nice job Katie

Thank you for all the comments. I totally understand that everyone experiences stress and some more than others that is why i wanted to get my word out. Although i wrote about students the article applies to adults too. I appreciate all your advice and knowledgeable contributions to the topic.

Katie
Good for you for speaking honestly about your life and experiences. I am sorry that people are comparing you to adults or other students. Your life is your own and I can see that you work hard to make good choices for yourself. Choosing to be an athlete and a good student does create stress that can be hard to manage sometimes. Take the time you need once in a while to balance. It is so important. Sometimes you may need to schedule in (yes SCHEDULE!) time for play/socializing/rest... because making the time for those positives only gives you more energy and readiness for the stress and work. As a parent who is single and works all day, I have to MAKE time for fun or it never happens. But whenever I do, I feel better, refreshed, and more able to face my challenges. Keep up the good work, you are making the community proud.