Understanding the Challenges of the Sophomore Year: A Reflection on Academic and Personal Struggles
Navigating the sophomore year of high school can be an overwhelming experience, filled with both growth and challenges. Many students find this phase to be a significant shift from freshman year, often feeling the weight of increased academic expectations and personal responsibilities.
In my own journey, this year has proven to be particularly difficult. While I’ve enjoyed participating in various extracurricular activities, managing the academic workload has become a daunting task. My initial success in freshman year, where I managed to earn A-‘s and A’s, seems distant now. Reflecting on my course choices, I recognize some are more demanding, such as Honors English 10 and AP Psychology, which I genuinely appreciate for their content but also acknowledge contribute to the heavy workload.
The escalating academic pressure has impacted my performance, especially in STEM subjects, where I’ve noticed a decline in my abilities. It’s not solely the AP classes—APUSH and AP Psych—that have been draining, but also the three honors courses I’m enrolled in. Over time, I’ve felt my motivation wane, and my study habits deteriorate, leading to procrastination and self-doubt.
High school assignments often seem exaggerated in volume, making it difficult to keep pace. My health setback in March, which kept me out for a week, disrupted my rhythm and created ongoing struggles. Additionally, extracurricular commitments like track and field demand a significant portion of my time. Recently, my focus has been on preparing for AP exams, ensuring I get adequate rest, and managing the constant stream of assignments.
Despite my efforts, I’m left with grades that need improvement, ongoing projects, and upcoming final exams. At times, I feel depleted, experiencing writer’s block and a growing sense of frustration with my environment. The idea of repeating this cycle feels exhausting; I’m overwhelmed by the pressure of courses such as AP Government, AP Environmental Science, AP Language, college prep math, Art III, possibly Honors Spanish IV, and a study hall next year.
While some relief may come from a slightly lighter course load, the core sentiment remains—the desire for a sense of freedom and balance. Many students share these feelings, and recognizing this shared experience can be a first step toward finding sustainable ways to manage academic stress while maintaining personal well-being.
Final Thoughts
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your high school workload or find yourself questioning your capacity to continue at this pace, remember you’re not alone.