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Student overload causes collapse
C alley L athrop
Staff Reporter
West Linn High is known
for its high test scores, and
college prep curriculum.
However, the pressure is
building for many students
to the point of emotional
breakdown, leaving many
wondering...can students
handle the expectations?
WLHS earned an
"Exceptional" rating from
the State of Oregon in 2008.
Ninety-five percent of the 2008
w
Senior
Class
graduated, with over
80 honors graduates. There
are well over 100 Advanced
Placement students, with
hundreds more students
taking honors classes.
Combine this with pressures
from parents and student's
own expectations, many find
(as early as freshman year!),
that when perfection seems
the only option, the stress can
be overwhelming and even
debilitating.
Students feel excess
amounts of pressure to
achieve for many different
reasons. Some are very
conscientious and put
pressure on themselves, while
others feel the strain because
of parental expectations.
When asked who she
felt pressure to succeed
from, Amanda Rucker, 4.0
sophomore, said, "A good
amount comes from my
parents, but most of it is from
me."
Not only are students
spending inordinate amounts
of time on homework and
studying just to
complete a minimum, many
are finding that time for
friends, family and leisurely
activities that we need and
thrive on are being lost in the
balance.
"My whole life basically
revolves around high school,
and after that will be college.
I don't even know what I
want to do in the future, and
yet I find myself frantically
struggling to be at the top.
Colleges, employers, and
the rest of them see me as a
number. That's all we are,
numbers," Neelou Etesami,
Price of Prom too high
P r ill overpriced!
continued from page 5
People who want a
luxurious prom can spend
upwards of $800 per couple.
With the average limo costing
$500, a nice dinner being at
least $75 and then adding a
dress or tux, flowers, hair,
nails and other items to the
equation, it adds up fast. This
may intimidate others who
don't have the money.
First, scholarships or help
should be offered to students,
if ticket prices are an issue.
That way prom could be
affordable for all, not just
for those who are well off
financially. Second, creativity
and knowing what resources
are available could make the
difference between going or
not going.
To make prom fun and an
option for all students rather
than just some, there are
ways to make formal wear,
transportation and dinner
affordable. Abby's Closet, a
non-profit agency, is one such
resource that provides free
formals. Thrift stores, outlet
stores and discount stores
also offer reduced prices for
clothing.
Transportation can be the
most expensive part of prom,
when it could be the cheapest.
Limos and party buses are fun,
but if it's not in the budget,
drive or ride to the dance
with friends. Limos are also
gas guzzlers, so carpooling or
riding public transit is a better
choice for the environment too.
For dinner, instead of spending
money at fancy restaurants,
have a potluck dinner, or have
a family host the group. It's an
easy and enjoyable way to dine
with a group of friends.
And maybe, each person
who has money to bum on
all the extras, could forgo one
item and donate it to a prom
fund for those who are not as
fortunate.
junior, said.
It is also important for
students to remember that
there is more to life than
school. Many students take
part in extra-curricular
activities to explore their
interests, get in shape, meet
people and have....fun. Some
find that there is no time
for these sports and clubs
in addition to vast amounts
of schoolwork, and instead
of cutting classes, cut these
leisurely activities.
"I had to stop playing
rugby to take care of my
horse, but mostly it was
because of my grades. I
had to fulfill my parents'
expectations, and found out
the hard way that even as a
sophomore, there's not always
time for everything," Carly
Strasshofer, sophomore, said.
The only solution to this
growing problem is for
students and parents to ease
the load. It is the students
responsibility to balance
their schedule according to
academic and personal needs
and preferences—teachers
should not be expected to
decrease work loads for
individuals or students based
on their schedules.
"We are trained to help
students find the right classes
and help to balance schedules.
We can also help to alleviate
future stress by working with
students, their teachers and
their families. Communication
and acknowledgement is
important," Michelle Olson,
Guidance Counselor, said.
I am not saying that we
should not all push ourselves
academically, or take honors/
AP courses. Regardless of
how well students may think
they can budget their time,
everyone has a breaking
point. When considering your
schedule for next year, really
think about how much time
you can afford to spend on
schoolwork, in addition to
other activities, commitments
and sleep requirements. Once
first semester has begun, it is
very difficult to change one's
schedule.
Dropping an honors course
is something that students
looking to graduate with
honors can only do once.
Often, students dropping
halfway through the semester
will be required to take a D as
their grade, and still have to
pay any course fees!
"I tried to drop an honors
course midway through the
semester, and it was very
difficult. I would suggest
picking a schedule that works
for you and sticking with it,
especially sophomore and
junior year when you have so
many requirements," Kaylyn
Schaber, junior, «aid.
Doing well in school is
important, but not worth
losing one's sanity, sleep and
health. It's not too late to
switch classes for next year.
Talking to your counselor is
always an option, simply sign
up for a meeting in the office.
”1 think it would
actually hurt their
grade. They're not
ready"
— Wendy Scott,
freshman
if
"It is going to make
smart people enjoy
their classes more.”
—Ryan Cool,
sophomore
. i
How do you think having
more Advanced Placement/
Honors classes for
freshmen and
sophomores would affect
students ?
them more stress,
but will make their
it could make i
easier for them
to get into Ivy
.eague colleges
senior
irUgm