Since eighth grade, most of my concerns were college-related. From internships to tutoring to Advanced Placement classes, I worked myself to the bone to achieve my goal: acceptance into a top college. For all those years, it was the only thing on my mind — and the only thing that mattered to me.
The college application process is finally over for me. While I don’t regret much, there are a few things I wish I did differently.
My parents, especially my mom, thought that I was pushing myself way too hard. She was especially concerned by how sick I was throughout high school. It felt like I was constantly dealing with a sore throat or stuffy nose.
Looking back, I think my parents were right. Even though I’m glad I put in the work, I should’ve taken better care of my health. Maybe if I prioritized myself a little more, I wouldn’t have developed a poor snacking habit that ruined my skin sophomore year. I might’ve also avoided years worth of terrible sleep deprivation, which also contributed to my poor immune system.
And most of all, I wish I didn’t stress so much after college apps were submitted. Those extra worries didn’t impact my admission results in the slightest; all the overthinking, the frantic phone calls made to friends, and the agony from not knowing were definitely not necessary.
Part of me wonders why I only realized all of this now that high school is over. But everything I was doing — overworking myself and adopting unhealthy habits along the way — was expected of me. My friends were encouraged to do the same. But pushing ourselves to our limits shouldn’t be the standard just to get into college.
Now I know I’ll need to find a better balance. I’m already working really hard in college. But I’m trying to be more mindful of what I put on my plate and really listen to my body. After all, it’s impossible to be truly successful without taking care of yourself.
LaVie Saad (she/her), is a rising freshman at Stanford University.
Edited by Amber Ly