Just Because You're Not In Honors Or AP, Doesn't Mean You're Stupid

If you are feeling stupid because you're not taking an honors class, AP class, or both, DOES NOT MEAN YOU ARE STUPID OR ANY LESS OF A PERSON. It does not mean your don't challenge yourself and are just a slacker. You go to an academically rigorous, all girls, college prep school, that's a challenge in itself. It may seem like everyone around you are taking all of these crazy, hard classes, but that's not the case. I (Britney), have never taken an Honors or AP class. It also may seem like the only way you're going to get into college is by taking these classes, but again, that's not the case. If you're like me and regular courses are already a challenge for you, why make your life worse and possibly take on more than you can handle? Not saying that you shouldn't challenge yourself in life, but high school isn't just about sitting at home on weekends and trying to finish AP Calc homework. High school is about making new friends, experiencing and learning new things, and some school in the mix(; Now I'm not bashing on those people who spend every night doing homework, but in my mind, there's more than getting strait A's in life.

Throughout my Sophomore and Junior year, I struggled accepting that I wasn't stupid because I wasn't taking higher level courses. I am currently in an Algebra 2 class with mostly Sophomores and a few Freshmen and Juniors. There is one other Senior. I am comfortable with this because I know that I'm going at my own pace. From the beginning, I told myself that I don't want to become that St. Mary's girl that has no life. I don't want to be at home every weekend. I want to go out with friends, have fun, and get my mind off of school. I try to take at least an hour or two every night to watch TV, go to the gym, or hang out with a friend. Even though this creates additional stress, it makes me happier, which I think is more important than getting 100% on a homework assignment. So pretty much what I'm getting at is that it's a good idea to have balance in your school and social life.

To sum this up, you are who you are. Do what you need to do to succeed. Don't take courses that are going to push you overboard. Just try your best and you'll be happy with whatever comes(: