About this time every year, we start to see it on our students' faces. They're tired, especially the juniors. The classes, activities, AP tests and SAT prep start to take their toll on even the hardest of workers.
So when our students come in for their meetings in May and June, the first thing we ask almost all of them is, "How are you doin'?" And we ask in a way that shows we really want to know how they're holding up, how they're feeling and whether or not things like soccer and drama and jazz band are still fun. We still get to all the college planning stuff. But first we want to check in.
I don't want to be an alarmist here, but kids today are the most overworked, over scheduled and stressed out of any generation before them. Hard work and high goals are good things. And part of being successful means handling a reasonable degree of stress. But nothing is worth sacrificing sleep, sanity or happiness, especially when you're seventeen.
If you're a parent or a counselor, don't make your next question to your student about the SAT or college or whether or not they're ready for finals. Instead, asking them how they're doing. Really listen to their answer. And remind them that their best effort is good enough regardless of what the outcome is.