If I could describe high school in one word….hmm. Well its been a lot of fun, it has been a time of self-discovery, and there actually has been quite a lot of learning. But the one thing that is constant: stress.

This year, I am taking the hardest class schedule that I have in my four years. Add some college applications, club soccer, extracurriculars, and stressed out parents, and there’s just a lot going on. For my three years in high school I have been so focused on school and just getting all my work done. Senior year is full of nostalgia and reflection on everything that’s happened, and I’m writing this because I wish someone would have told me it. Tests, assignments, and loads of homework in high school are inevitable. What I truly think is important is the balance between schoolwork and enjoying yourself, and senior year me wishes I would have found that balance earlier.

Every Monday at Whole Foods you can get a pastry and coffee for only $2! If you already don’t love an overpriced grocery store, you will after you purchase this special and pay only $2 compared to a normal $6. Recently my good friend and I have made it our Monday tradition to hit up the lovely place that is Whole Foods around 5 pm. We walk in, take a nice gawk around, stare at the pastry container for far too much time deciding, order, and sit down at the booths at the front of the store. The Monday ritual is more than just extra sugar, caffeine, and an extravagant grocery store. It is something I look forward to, its a getaway from the everyday stress that is being in high school. We always uphold our tradition no matter the amount of tests, assignments, or practices.

Doing things like enjoying a good friend and a pastry every week, stopping my homework to go on a run on the beach, or even taking a much-needed nap amidst the assignments has become really important to me. It makes me realize the importance of taking a step back from school and from everything going on to enjoy myself. I wish in my other years I would have taken more time to give myself a break, to realize that my happiness and contentment is just as important as my grades.

You’ve heard it more than a million times, but high school goes by way way too fast. Don’t let it slip through your fingers without taking in everything you can. Work hard, but allow time for yourself to relax and enjoy your friends and family.