Some say that your high school years will be the best of your life; but are they really? For freshmen, there’s a fear of not fitting in, balancing a new work load, and being tossed into a giant new school filled with people you have never met. For seniors, there’s the stress of applying to colleges, choosing a major, maintaining good grades, and facing the oncoming reality of adulthood and being independent.

The amount of stress high school causes can have a serious toll on students. Mental breakdowns, panic attacks, lack of sleep, and even depression can plague students as they strive for perfection in a competition-driven atmosphere.

“I’ve learned to sleep through anything now because my high school schedule has forced me to do so. Emotionally, between extra-curriculars and passing my classes, it’s been kind of tough,” Claire Van Der Bosch, senior, said. “It’s hard to express to adults who don’t understand what pressure we’re under just how frustrating [school] can be.”

With the start of her senior year, Van Der Bosch says she is starting to feel the pressure of applying to colleges.

“I’m worried about the process of submitting college essays and I’m even more scared about picking a good college,” Van Der Bosch said. “On top of that, I’m worried about keeping my grades up while trying to find time to make a decision about college.”

Van Der Bosch’s younger brother, George, is a freshman and Claire wants to make sure he has the best high school experience possible. She hopes the adjustment is as easy as possible for him.

Similarly, Elisa Krause, freshman, is looking to her sister Emily, senior, for how to adjust to the change of high school.

“My biggest fear is the amount of time it will take to adjust. I’m worried I won’t be able to get a lot of sleep. Also, since there are so many new people I’ll be in class with, I feel the chances I’ll know somebody won’t be great,” Elisa said. “However, by attending Emily’s band concerts, track meets, and other activities, I have gotten a good idea of how to balance extra-curricular activities with school work.”

Although Emily works hard to maintain a balance between school, sports, and extra-curricular activities, the senior says it is not always easy to keep everything on track and she wants to make sure her sister knows that.

“Especially in [junior] year, the school year takes an awful toll on my mental state. The stress of managing school and sports was agonizing and drained all of my energy,” Emily said. “[Freshmen] have to be able to adjust to creating an even balance between sports, school, and extra-curriculars.”

Although her high school experience has not always been easy, Emily said she is looking forward to her senior year.

“I’m excited for senior privileges and meeting even more new people. After three years of observation, I finally understand why seniors are so excited for their last year,” Emily said.

Even though freshman Elisa said that she understands why the seniors are so excited for their last year, she believes they should not lose focus on the more important things in their future.

“I think the seniors should enjoy their last year of high school, but they should be sure to pay attention to their studies,” Elisa said. “Just because they’re almost done, doesn’t mean they actually are. Senior year is still important because colleges will still look at your grades.”

Although big sister Emily feels Elisa is prepared for high school, her advice to all freshmen for a successful high school career is simple:

“Work hard now and give everything your best effort. Do not start off thinking that high school will be all fun and games,” Emily said. “Your actions now will reflect on you later.”