During the school day the halls are filled with people rushing to class, papers and pencils falling everywhere and nonstop chatter among kids, but after school those same hallways are even more hectic. Athletes are running through the halls, rushing to practice and going in and out of locker rooms. With all the extracurricular activities and schoolwork, it’s easy for students to become overwhelmed or fall behind.

Sometimes, students can have four hours of homework a night and a four-hour practice or event for an activity. That has them losing sleep, free time and potentially have to pick between studying for a big test or practicing for the big game. Students are always encouraged to get involved outside of school, but there could be a limit on how much one student can handle.

Students feel like they are pressured to get involved outside of school and if they don’t, they have no hope of getting into the college they want to go to. But, many students that have gone to Southwest in the past have gotten into a college they wanted to go to without being stressed or overwhelmed by outside activities.

Freshman, Greer Corcoran is involved in many things outside of school such as, competitive cheer, tumbling, and a part time job.

“Getting a job does look good on college applications,” Corcoran said. “But it can sometimes be hard to get all your school work done which can really hurt your grade.”

Teachers sometimes give homework out that can take hours without even acknowledging that some students could have hours of homework in other classes, a shift at work, and a two-hour practice. Sometimes that stress can cause diagnosable anxiety. According to the National Institution of Mental Health, eight percent of teens have anxiety and only 18 percent of them are treated.

“Sometimes I have to stay up to two in the morning to get an assignment done that’s due the next day.” said junior, Hannah Davis.

 There are many different clubs and sports that students have the choice to get involved in at Blue Valley Southwest are getting involved in a lot of activities and taking honors or AP classes can help prepare students for their future. It also looks good on college applications to be involved in sports and clubs instead of just going to school and getting good grades. But, when students feel pressured to get involved in things they don’t want to be in, they can get stressed and overwhelmed causing those clubs and sports to no longer be an outlet for them to get their mind off of school.  But, if a student doesn’t get involved in too many activities and can manage their time well, they can really love what they do.

   “I try to make sure my school work is done,” said freshman, Kristen O’Keeffe. “And when it is, I can look forward to going to practice and doing what I love.”

        “It can be hard sometimes to do everything I have to do during the week,” said Corcoran. “But since I chose the things I wanted to do the most, I end up getting a lot more out of it than I thought I would.”