At Weston High School, one often hears students, parents, and teachers discussing the issue of students’ stress levels. Between rigorous AP classes, extracurricular demands, athletics, and the pressures that surround the college application process, many students become engulfed by stress caused by expectations of those around them.
Many argue that WHS’s intense environment cultivates unnecessary anxiety, which takes away from one’s high school experience. I believe that these challenges only increase students’ preparation for the realities they will have to face after graduation. While the pressure at WHS can feel excessive at times, I believe that the school’s rigor ultimately and more effectively prepares students for the independence, workload, and demands they will face in college and beyond.
“WHS prepares students well because many of the AP and honors classes reflect the same level of rigor you would see in college courses,” said senior Linda Wang. “They teach you how to manage a heavy workload, think critically, and stay accountable for your own learning, which makes the transition to college much smoother.”
While I believe that the pressure at WHS can often feel overwhelming, it does teach us how to manage all the responsibilities that come with, while holding ourselves accountable.
“It is pretty difficult. There is an air of everyone wanting to succeed,” junior Isaiah Mwebeiha said. “But in college you pace yourself. Whatever you deem necessary to actually succeed is up to you; there is no one telling you to do your work or give it your all. I think that Weston has set me up with the proper time management skills I need to do well, but that’s up to me if I want to use it.”
In my opinion, Weston gives students many possibilities to explore and find their niches, which in return, sets them up nicely for college when they will be selecting their courses, choosing a major, and ultimately finding a career path after college.
“You can personalize the rigor and challenge level [of the classes you take at WHS], which is nice. That being said, there is a lot of pressure to take harder classes, being honors or APs,” said junior Izzy Wheler. “I think these opportunities are similar to those in college because you can choose what classes to take that align with what you might want to pursue, giving you freedom over your future.”
I have found that the competitive academic culture of WHS often shapes students’ expectations surrounding college admissions and success post-graduation. This is evident for Weston students when it comes time for them to use their degree, they are now well-prepared to do so because of the schools’ vast course options and their relevance to future job opportunities.
“In terms of college, I feel like a lot of people in Weston are shooting for the top 50 to top 100 schools because that’s a part of our culture here, the competition I mean,” said Mwebeiha. “Really whatever you do in high school here I believe, prepares you for something similar in college. Students here are going out and pursuing their areas of interest, and finding success there.”
Given the reality of WHS’s culture, I think that overall this demanding environment translates to greater success later on in life.
But many don’t seem to agree with me, as some younger students have already begun questioning whether the highly competitive culture will truly benefit them in the long run.
“Even though I am a freshman, I personally think that the pressures of Weston High do not lead to increased success in college over other students, just based on what I have heard. It actually leads to increased stress in the present,” said freshman Dhruva Gandla. “I find myself pretty tired when it comes time to do my homework at night or study for upcoming tests, so I’m often not thinking about how that could help me.”
For the students, like me, who are in support of the academic culture of Weston, the pressure is not viewed as unnecessary, rather as preparation for the realities that will come with their futures.
“I think Weston students are better prepared for the more rigorous and time-intensive universities because we have been preparing all of our time here for similar work environments, so it’s logical to think our transition into college will be smoother,” said Wheler.
Despite all the stress that may come with academics and different activities, I have always believed that this school provides opportunities for personal growth and learning.
“WHS helps students build both confidence and independence. Through extracurriculars, electives, and strong teacher support, I’ve been able to explore my passions and find where I belong,” Wang said. “My teachers have constantly encouraged me to push beyond my own expectations, and that confidence will stay with me long after high school.”
