From the South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Stress signifies success

By Katie Evans
Pembroke Pines Charter

February 21 2008

Starting the day off with school, I wandered the halls, memorizing notes for the test that I have in economics honors while balancing my AP literature project in my other hand.

Time for a nap to recover from the all-nighter pulled to finish the aforementioned project?

I think not.

It's heading into late afternoon as I stroll into another day at the office. Clocking out in time to spend a few minutes with my boyfriend, I decide what my plan is for dinner.

Grabbing whatever fast-food is on my way home, I plop into bed and begin another endless night of homework.

However, now that I am a senior, half of the time I would usually spend on homework is spent applying to colleges and then applying for scholarships and financial aid.

Underclassmen, beware!

Some cannot handle the stress of school, work and college applications.

You may feel sorry for me, what with my seemingly invisible social life and load of stress.

On the contrary, stress is one of the best motivational tools anyone can have.

Planning to not do a project? If a teacher tells you that you will fail her class if you do not complete it, thereby keeping you from graduating, you will be motivated beyond belief to make sure that you complete it.

Everyone puts pressure on themselves to reach their fullest potential. Stress can help people achieve some of the greatest dreams they've ever had.

Simply realize that the tension in your shoulders can be relieved by making a to-do list, tackling one item at a time and keeping your priorities in check.