Don't Stress It by Jeanne

Don't Stress It by Jeanne - November 2014 Scholarship Essay

Three words: Don’t stress it.

There are so many things in high school that you will feel, and others will make you feel, stressed about. Over half of the time, that thing that’s got you so frantic with knots twisting in your stomach, honestly isn’t worth all that energy. So, how do you tell what should really be your focus? Ask yourself: does this matter in the long run and how will it really affect your overall happiness? If you’re focused on:

That test at the end of the week – How much of your final grade is it really worth?

Whether you get on the basketball team – Will it make you happy this season, or would it be just as good to try out again next year?

Getting a date for homecoming – Won’t you be just as happy (and a lot less stressed) going with a group of friends and finding partners when you’re there?

Getting the lead in the school play – Will that role really let you shine, or is the lead’s best friend or the comedic character really more your style?

Having that pair of shoes that’s so “in” right now – Honestly, the fashion will change in a few months, and are people that are so caught up on the latest trends really worth your time and money to impress?

Sitting with the “right” people at lunch – Do you actually like talking to any of those people?

Someone making fun of you in the hallways or locker room – Will their behavior affect your performance in the classroom or on the field, and do you have the superior character to rise above their words?

Sometimes, the answer to these types of questions may be yes, and then it is definitely worth your energy to focus on that problem or goal. In that case, go for it, work through it properly, but still try to keep your expectations in perspective and never be too hard on yourself. As cheesy as it sounds, if you are trying your best and giving all you can realistically be expected to give, then you’ve done your part. The rest falls to the decisions of others and, sometimes, luck. Know that even if you do everything you’re able, sometimes it just doesn’t happen. Know that that’s okay, and feel proud of what you did to get so close.

Also, if you do achieve a goal, celebrate it! Give yourself a study break for a day, buy that thing you’ve been wanting for a month, have an extra cookie at lunch, or just enjoy hanging out with your friends. You deserve to have your successes rewarded. Even if you don’t quite reach your goal, celebrate your valiant efforts anyway. Your brain and body will thank you by being all the more ready to push for that next goal.

Still, in the long run, don’t stress the small stuff. Reserve your energy for what really matters to you, and what will satisfy your needs. Don’t stress it, and make high school a happy experience.