High school can be a challenging time for many students, filled with academic pressures, social dynamics, and future uncertainties. To get a better understanding of what stresses out students the most, we interviewed a diverse group of our classmates and asked them on simple question: What is your #1 stressor?
Our interviews revealed that stressors vary widely among students. While some are primarily concerned with their grades and academic performance, others find social relationships or future planning to be more alarming. The diversity highlights the fact that stress is a highly personal experience, influenced by individual circumstances and priorities. Despite these differences, the common thread is that every student faces some form of stress, and it impacts their daily lives in significant ways.
To begin with Xavier Alvarez, a sophomore, told us his biggest stressor, “my hair is my biggest stressor, I wonder if people stare at it the wrong way.” Next, Cienna Guillete, a sophomore said “the future is my biggest stressor, I just get scared about what each day can bring.” Then Zachary Dendulk, another sophomore told us “losing my friends, I couldn’t imagine losing all of my friends and them not being in my life.”
To continue, Elion Quinteros said, “my grades are my biggest stressor, they play a big part in my life.” Lastly, freshman, Lily Guevara, explained “school is my number one stressor, it is just challenging always keeping up grades to make sure everything is good.”
One recurring theme in our conversations was the importance of having a support system. Many students mentioned that talking to friends, family helped them manage their stress. Knowing that others are going through similar differences, Schools can play a crucial role by providing resources and creating an environment where students feel comfortable seeking help.
It’s clear that high school students face a variety of stressors. Understanding these stressors can help us create a more supportive environment for each other. Remember, it’s important to reach out for help if you’re feeling overwhelmed, whether it’s a friend, family member, or school counselor. We’re all in this together, and sometimes just knowing that can make a big difference.
