Why Academic Pressure Feels Heavier Than Ever by Aaliyah Sharma

 Why Academic Pressure Feels Heavier Than Ever by Aaliyah Sharma

  It feels like school was supposed to be about learning, but somewhere along the way, it became about survival. Every assignment, test, and grade feels like part of a bigger competition — one that no one remembers signing up for. The pressure to do well isn’t just about school anymore; it’s about the future, college, and proving you’re “enough” in a world that measures worth by achievement.

  What makes it worse is that everyone seems to be struggling silently. We all joke about stress, burnout, and caffeine addictions like they’re normal parts of being a student. But underneath the jokes, a lot of us are tired — not just physically, but mentally. The constant push to outperform ourselves and each other turns learning into something mechanical. We’re so focused on results that curiosity doesn’t even feel like part of the equation anymore.

  It’s hard not to compare yourself to people who seem to handle everything perfectly. Social media makes it look like everyone else is balancing AP classes, clubs, sports, and still finding time to smile. But no one posts about the nights spent crying over homework or the quiet panic of feeling behind. It’s not just school that’s exhausting — it’s the pressure to act like it’s all fine.

  Maybe what students need isn’t more motivation, but more understanding. Working hard should matter, but so should rest, self-worth, and happiness. School shouldn’t feel like proof of how much you can handle; it should be a place to learn who you are and what you care about. The pressure isn’t going away anytime soon, but maybe it doesn’t have to define us.