Editor #7
Fact of life: school is meant to be intense, and it will only continue accelerating from here. Just put your anxious nerves to rest knowing that your academic career is not nearly as difficult and demanding as that of a Chinese student’s, who attends American schools to escape the pressures prevalent in the educational institutions of his or her homeland.
Anyone who holds the top position as an athlete, scholar or otherwise knows that obtaining his or her title was a breeze, but maintaining it is the challenge of the century. Of course, as a dedicated student, you will try with all your might to use the pressure from parents and teachers as fuel and inspiration for your academic achievement. However, there will come a point when you must ask yourself, “What’s more important—my class rank or my health?” When you turn into a nervous, shaking wreck from long sleepless nights of homework, it is time to reconsider your priorities. It is difficult to achieve greatness beyond high school if you become prone to nervous breakdowns.
Sure, sophomore year is more strenuous than freshman year, but first grade was also more laborious than kindergarten. Try to establish a clear distinction between work and free time; the two should seldom overlap. You should welcome every day of your life rather than dread the the coming days. Don’t let your perceived duty to uphold good grades and class rank completely control your life.