The fact that the majority of my friends already know what they plan on doing for college and for a career stresses me out. At this point in my life, I am absolutely clueless about my future, and I’m sure I’m not the only one. Parents and teachers say not to be worried, yet they constantly pressure you with questions: “So what do you want to be when you grow up? What college do you want to attend? Are you planning on taking the ACT? You need to get a good score on that in order to get into a good college.” I don’t have the answers to all of these questions yet. Putting so much pressure on us teens cannot be healthy. In fact, I know that most kids around my age start giving up because the stress is too much to handle.

My advice: don’t stress yourself out too much. I have personal experiences with stress and I know how awful it is. Yes, you should study and do your homework, but be sure to make time to relax and hang out with your friends. You won’t have these friends for long. After high school you’ll most likely go your separate ways, so take time to enjoy these few years that you have. Life will get busy after high school and college. You’ll have a job and perhaps even a family. You’ll have bills to pay and your life will be much more hectic. Save your stressing for later and just enjoy your high school years. Do your homework and stay out of trouble, but also have fun. Your future will come soon enough.