Junior year can be overwhelming. Students worry about ACT and MCA scores, college decisions, and future careers. On top of that, balancing schoolwork, extracurriculars, and personal life can feel impossible. Many say spring is the most stressful season of the year.
Lesly Vander Waal, a high school counselor, said, “Students are struggling more now than ever before.” Teens face extra pressure from the pandemic, social media, and technology. Many are hesitant to speak up about their struggles or feel embarrassed about their emotions. Vander Waal reminds students, “Everyone needs help sometimes.” She encourages them to reach out to a trusted adult or friend for guidance.
Jaiden Baumgartner, a junior, shared how she manages school, sports, and personal life. “Teachers may give multiple assignments with 10 minutes to work, all due the next day,” she said. The workload can be exhausting. When asked if she felt supported by teachers, she admitted, “Only some of them were helpful, and others not so much.” Her strategy? “I pray and try my best to find time to study and do my own stuff,” she said.
Junior year is often seen as the hardest year of high school. ACT prep, college applications, and responsibilities pile up fast. Jaiden finds relief in talking to Mrs. Vander Waal. “It’s okay to ask for help sometimes,” she said—a reminder that seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness.
