Academic Stress: Good or Bad?

Nowadays, almost everyone is more than familiar with stress. They're accustomed to it, and it's no surprise to hear young people complaining how much they wish it would go away. I'm no exception. Looking back upon my high school and middle school years, one of the first things I remember is all the academic stress I experienced. Society's pressure for young people to achieve in school increases every year. As a result, students stress out about their educational careers enormously.

Will the stress ever stop? Probably not. But will it ever ease up? Maybe. However, the latter depends on how we deal with and think of it.

When you ask kids what they think of school, they cringe. Then you get the impression that they may not like it. Of course, this goes for me too. But it's not school that bothers me, it's the stress I get from it. Why should school be so stressful? School's supposed to be a place where young people are exposed to new, interesting stuff. And of course, you're supposed to make new friends and hang out with them, having the time of your young life.

Unfortunately, it isn't that simple for most. Where there's fun, there are responsibilities and expectations. The homework piles up on desks, and testing deadlines dreaded. All of this and more (sports, extra-curricular activities, etc.) can put the burgeoning stress on even the smartest, straight-A student.

However, this stress prepares you for life. In college, you'll have the same stress from midterms and probably even greater than before. Then there's your job when you graduate. Whatever your job will be, there'll probably be a boss who'll pester you about deadlines, just like your teacher back in school. Thinking about this doesn't really bring a smile to your face, but that's just how our society works.

I'm not justifying the academic stress students feel right now (and for future generations), because it certainly isn't making them feel happy, as they should be in school. However, it does prepare you for the future. At least you become familiar with it now rather than later. Of course, there'll be tougher times ahead, but at least they'll be expected.

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