It’s strange to think of myself as a junior. It’s even harder to contemplate that in one more year, I will graduate and leave high school, officially an “adult.” However, that has brought with it other tribulations.

I often find it harder and harder to get up in the mornings, even though school has barely begun. Really, I do not have anything to worry about. Most of my harder classes are finished, and I am coasting through my junior year with only a few bumps on the way. On the other hand, I feel a sense of unease, like this strange calm cannot last for long before it starts to create problems for me.

I am amazed at the students who can balance athletics with school, especially those with longer practices and night games. To me, a person who can balance both stressful activities and still have free time is almost too perfect. It’s strange to think that other people have much more frantic lives than I do, but I feel like the weight of the whole world is on top of me if I have a bad day.

After the SAT, a sense of apathy has set in. What do I do? I spent my whole summer studying for one test, but now what should I do with my weekends? It feels almost wrong to spend a weekend relaxing now, with internships and volunteer programs filling up my schedule.

On the other hand, maybe I am just feeling a little worn out from my summer of test prep, but for now, all I can hope is for a good night’s sleep.

Sincerely,

Avantika Vivek