As the 2025 school year swings into motion, students find themselves signing up for a myriad of extracurricular activities, whether it be a sports team, a music ensemble, or a school club. But what happens when students attempt to juggle these activities while simultaneously maintaining high academic standards?
The average NASH student’s schedule consists of their school day, an extracurricular sport or activity, and the possibility of a job outside of other obligations. On top of that, students are expected to complete homework assignments after the school day finishes. This schedule leaves many exhausted and stressed.
Many students experience an increased amount of pressure as they attempt to perform well in athletics, especially those playing varsity sports. Other students take up the responsibility of running their own clubs, leading their peers in their shared passions and hobbies.
But the expectation to be high-achieving and to constantly perform well can come at the cost of our mental health. Juggling multiple activities and consistently expecting perfection is unrealistic. No student, let alone a human being, can effortlessly excel at everything they do.
A NASH student who asked to remain anonymous reported their list of extracurriculars: “I figure skate competitively along with performing with the school orchestra inside and outside of school. I also work at Chick-fil-A. I’m in Anatomy Club, Chemistry Club, Key Club, FCCLA, and Tri-M — and I take three AP courses.”
This same student commented, “I think the craziest, or maybe the scariest, part of being unbelievably busy is that you don’t notice until it takes a serious toll on you.”
Some may argue that students bring intense stress upon themselves by scheduling a difficult school day and joining multiple clubs, athletics, and activities. But are students expected to never challenge themselves? Should students not involve themselves in as many of their interests as possible?
Challenge is an indication that students are aspiring to better themselves. Struggle pushes a student to continue to strive above and beyond the levels expected of them, inspiring personal progress.
If a student chooses to refrain from exploring an abundance of options, they reject a unique opportunity to explore their interests. And as college-bound students begin the harrowing journey of discovering the university that fits them best, they first need to discover what fuels their passions. In a world full of abundant majors and niche minors, a student must be certain about what makes them tick.
The solution to this issue is not for students to cut back on extracurricular activities or to lighten their schedules. Students should not dedicate themselves to one single activity or refuse to explore the possibilities the world has to offer. The answer is instead for students to accept that they do not have to be perfect at everything.
Students should strive for success, but they should also be open to making mistakes. Without mistakes, students cannot grow in their activities and specialized interests. The only way for students to truly excel in their extracurriculars and to strive for the idea of “perfection” is to be able to pick themselves back up after getting it wrong, in order for them to finally be able to get it right.
Being free from the weight of such grueling expectations gives students newfound confidence, allowing them to feel undefined by their flaws and failures. In order for any student to thrive in the extracurriculars that they adore, the first step is, ironically, defeat.
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Editors’ note: All opinions expressed on The Uproar are a reflection solely of the beliefs of the bylined author and not the journalism program at NASH. We continue to welcome school-appropriate comments and guest articles.
