You Don’t Have To Do It All: Finding Balance Between Academics and Extracurriculars
High school is an exciting time where new possibilities await around every corner. Between homework, tests, sports, clubs, volunteering, and leadership roles, it often seems that there just aren't enough hours in the day. Students who want to get the most out of high school have to juggle many balls in the air at once, but what they eventually need to realize is that they don't have to be doing everything in order to succeed. In fact, they only have to do what is most important to them.
There will be times when you feel pushed to join every club, take every leadership role, and get straight A's because you see others doing those things and want to be like them. But everyone's lives are completely different, and everyone has their own idea of success.
Instead of joining a club because it seems like you "should" do it, join the clubs and activities that interest you. Extracurriculars are a way to branch out and explore your interests, as well as find groups of people who share them and push you to grow. Remember that just because somebody is getting straight A's and doing loads of extracurriculars doesn't mean that you have to do the same in order to be a success.
Time management is one of the most valuable skills that somebody can learn in high school, and the good news is that it's not difficult at all. All you need to do is create a schedule for yourself each week, writing down what assignments and commitments that you have. It's important to focus on what's actually due or needs to be done, instead of worrying about things you could potentially do. Write down all of the tests you have and when they're due, as well as anything else you need to get done.
Make sure that as you plan your schedule, you're giving yourself enough time to get everything done, and not cramming too much in. It's also a good idea to leave some room for spontaneity. Your schedule should not control your life, it should make it easier.
Opportunities are everywhere, especially if you're looking to expand as a leader and a student. However, there's an important balance to be reached between being busy all the time and having no responsibilities.
Practice saying no. This doesn't mean that you can't be ambitious and go after everything you want, it just means that you recognize that you have a life full of other things you can't neglect. It's important to realize where your priorities lie, and what you actually have time for. Try to be selective when asked to take on a new role or responsibility, and remember that you can be driven without doing everything available.
Your high school experience should consist of much more than getting straight A's and making honor roll every semester. Your life should be balanced with responsibilities, relaxation, sleep, friends, and interests. There will be days when you get everything you want done, and days when you accomplish nothing at all. That's completely fine. Don't beat yourself up about things you didn't get done, and instead think positively about what you did accomplish and make a schedule to help you get more done tomorrow. Resting is not a privilege. It's a necessity. Without rest, you can't function properly or learn effectively.
Your high school career is not a competition to see who can be the busiest. It's a journey to figure out exactly who you are and want to be. Some weeks you'll have lots of projects due and need to focus more on schoolwork, and others you'll have more extracurriculars that take priority. It's all about finding the right balance. As you go through high school, remember that it's okay to stumble and change your mind.
Above all, you can be as hardworking yet balanced, driven yet selective, and successful yet happy as you want to be. Make time for the goals, interests, friends, and ambitions that you hold dear to your heart, and remember that you can do it all - one step at a time
Work Cited:
Varshitha Mandapati, Bentonville, AR, 10th Grade, Instagram - @varshitha_mandapati
