In four years, I have taken six honors classes, seven AP courses, maintained above a 4.0 GPA. In other districts, these stats would be extremely impressive. In Elkhorn, they feel, quite literally, average.
Since I moved to Elkhorn in fifth grade, I have been constantly reminded of the district’s prestigious academics. Because of this, I have cultivated this self-belief that anything less than perfect is unacceptable. A 2 in my mind is an F, my 29 ACT composite is never good enough, and I did not take enough APs. The constant drive to keep up with this expectation for myself has led me to anxiety and self-doubt.
These unreachable expectations that many students feel they must meet are a result of several things. Students often compete with each other over test scores and grades. Competition is a healthy form of motivation, but can also cause students to feel bad about themselves and their abilities. Every student is different and has varying talents. A student who is a poor test taker may overhear another student complain about their ACT score that is higher than theirs. Despite this student having excellent grades, they have now developed an insecurity for their above average score.
Elkhorn’s ever-exceeding averages are another factor. According to the Nebraska Department of Education, the state average ACT score in 2024 was 19.1. In Elkhorn, it was 23.3. While this difference highlights Elkhorn’s high achievement, it is also what makes students, like me, feel that our scores are average.
More than 80 Elkhorn North students, 9th-12th grades, were surveyed and asked to rate their level of intelligence 1-5 (1 being least smart, 5 being extremely smart). Over 45% of students with an ACT above 19 rated themselves as a 3 or below. Although these students, according to the state, are above average, they feel less than.
In the same survey, students were asked to define “average”. Responses included “having a 3.5 GPA”, “getting 1’s and 2’s”, “like b+ or a-”. To other students or schools, these stats may seem exemplary, but to EPS students, this is their idea of mediocre.
Senior Avery Melendrez scored both above the state and Elkhorn average on her ACT, but when asked to rate her intelligence, she only rated herself a 3.
“I didn’t feel great about my score because a lot of people that I talked to got a higher score than me.” Melendrez said. “It feels like no matter what I did, someone else was doing better.”
Many students can relate to being so worn out from stress that they “just can’t do it anymore,” better known as burnout. My personal experience with burnout has left me not only overwhelmed by academics, but also by the important decisions that come with senior year. I have procrastinated my college decision and scholarship applications to the last minute, giving myself a new set of stressors on top of my high school classes. I was so focused on achieving perfect grades that I wasn’t able to take time to focus on my future.
“I feel like I have to set unrealistic standards for myself,” Senior Jacob Petrick said. “But I feel unsuccessful and like I failed if I don’t meet them.”
High school burnout affects students beyond graduation. College schoolwork is a dramatic change from high school; students are expected to complete the majority of work outside of the classroom. If students feel burnt out while being instructed and assisted in person in high school, it proposes the question of how they will adapt to a more independent learning environment in college.
“I have always felt pressured to take as many AP classes as I can” Senior Lydia Pruch said. “It is hard to keep up with the rigorous coursework, especially into senior year when you just want to be done.”
For many years, I based my self worth on my academic accomplishments. I spent hours overthinking my perfectly adequate academic performance instead of practicing my golf skills, working my part-time job, and my business. As I near the end of my high school years, I have come to realize that academics are not the most important thing in my life. I have learned that it is just as important to make time for my passions. Finding this balance has been difficult, but it has helped me grow to gain perspective and discover new skills in myself.
To my peers, I challenge you to find your self-worth beyond your academics. While I do not encourage slacking off, school does not have to define your life. Explore your passions, hangout with your friends, try something new. Although it took me until my senior year to realize it, grades are not the most important thing and definitely should not take priority over your well-being.
Students in Elkhorn tend to forget that academic achievements are just that; achievements. Excelling in AP classes and maintaining a 4.0 should not be seen as “the norm” but something worth celebrating. Elkhorn Public Schools is ranked the #1 for academics in Nebraska. Those who excel among the excellent should see more recognition for their efforts. Not only should achievement be celebrated, but personal growth should be too. Students who previously failed classes and are now passing, balance multiple jobs with school, or show kindness to their peers should be recognized for their efforts. While academics play an important role in the future of students, a person’s character is what really matters after the caps are thrown.
