Life as a high school student, even at Bridgewater-Raritan High School, can often be a blur of tests, projects and extracurricular activities.

For many students, the focus on grades and having the perfect resume can overshadow all other aspects of their lives. But is it possible to balance academic success with personal well-being and fulfillment? Many students say yes, sharing varying sentiments about how they manage their lives.

Sophomore Dimah Alhamami explained their approach to grades.

“It’s easy to get caught up in grades, especially when everyone around you seems so into it. I realized I needed to set time aside for myself. Whether it’s going for a walk or just watching a show, those breaks help me recharge and stay focused,” Alhamami said.

Sophomore Sumedha Singh shared similar sentiments, speaking on the difficulty of the courses she is taking.

“Sophomore year is tough. I’m taking harder classes and preparing for college, but I’ve learned that burnout doesn’t help anyone. I try to stick to a schedule that lets me study and still have time to play soccer or hang out with my friends,” Singh explains.

Students at Bridgewater-Raritan High School seem to agree that finding balance is difficult but well worth it. Grades matter, but high school is also about finding one’s interests, forming connections and making time for enjoyable activities. Prioritizing and balancing one’s professional and personal life is a skill that lasts longer than high school.