0/5 Stars, Would Not Recommend

A lying, deceitful, cauliflower-mouthed tortoise.

That’s what I’d call anyone who says that junior year of high school isn’t as bad as people make it out to be. I'm sorry to break this to you dear reader, but unfortunately it is. As a student who took 3 AP classes, 3 honors classes, and took on leadership roles in several extracurriculars, I definitely felt the wrath of 11th grade. Late night study sessions and last-minute attempts at homework assignments were all too familiar consequences of such a course load. However, despite the brutally challenging nature of junior year academics, I developed four non-negotiable habits throughout the year that helped me remain in check with my mental health.

1.) Saying “no” when I needed to

As someone who wants to be involved in almost everything going on at my school, this was very hard for me to do. I realized that I could not give my best to my academics and personal relationships if I was running on empty. I think a part of the reason why junior year feels so overwhelming for many students is because they don't know how to say no. Remember, you don't have to be involved with every fundraiser, club meeting, or even sporting event. Sometimes stepping back is an act of responsibility.

2.) Treating myself at least once a week

Was my bank account unhappy with this? A little. However, nothing compares to the sweet joy of a jasmine milk tea brown sugar boba (shoutout to Momo Ashi for putting up with seeing me almost every week). I know it seems silly, but these little treats were what got me through the week.

3.) Refusing to compare myself to others

Easier said than done—this is something I've always struggled with. It's super easy to fall into the trap of comparing myself to the girl who's taking 5 AP classes, working part time, president of 3 clubs, has a boyfriend, and seems to have everything together. There are even times when I compare myself to those who seem to grasp new concepts and finish their homework quicker than I do. Despite the frustrating allure of comparison, I've come that learning isn’t a race. Everyone is truly on their own journey to greatness that moves at its own perfect pace. Just because you took longer than others doesn't mean you failed.

4.) Accepting that not everything has to be perfect

For every presentation I had to complete for a class, I used to go on Canva and choose a super cutesy theme with bright colors, playful fonts, and flashy transitions. Now, the only cutesy thing on my presentations now are the pink background color of the slide. Although I still care about the overall aesthetics of my finished works, I’ve learned that not everything has to be perfect in order to be effective. Let's be real—junior year is NOT the time to grow gray hairs over presentation aesthetics. I just didn’t have the energy to obsess over every miniscule detail; my simpler presentations earned the same As as my prettier ones did. Letting go of the need for perfection gave me back crucial time and mental energy I really needed.

Junior year tested me in ways I never expected, but it also taught me some of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned in high school so far. Between the sleepless nights and my jam-packed schedule set boundaries. These four habits weren’t just coping mechanisms but rather essentials. And while I wouldn’t wish the chaos of 11th grade on anyone, I’m thankful for the resilience it pulled out of me. So no, junior year wasn’t pretty. 0/5 stars, would not recommend AT ALL. But I made it through, and I managed to do so without losing my sanity (sorta 😬).