LO3: Article 1.

For most teenagers, a job outside of a full school day adds more pressure to an already busy life however, 18-year-old Chicara Gerrard says that in her overcrowded life, her job is one of the few places she feels relaxed. "It's weird, but it almost seems like my job at Sheridan's is the most relaxing thing I do because I can relax a little and forget about the rest of life for a while. I handle the pressure of my job a lot easier than the other pressures in my life," she said. While the teen years are typically considered fun and carefree, many young people are harbouring enough responsibility to make life more stressful than fun. Between advanced classes, extracurricular activities, responsibilities at home and part-time jobs, many teenagers are burning their candles on both ends.
"I already go to school for eight hours, but I also have to go to work every day," said Corey Travis , 17. "I don't get home until about 11 on work nights, and then I have to eat dinner and shower, so I don't even start my homework until around midnight. Needless to say, it's pretty exhausting."
Many teens like Cory are already living like adults, spreading themselves as thin as possible in order to be successful.
"Teenagers have school every day, which is like a job for us. We have to deal with friends and relationships, plus sports and pleasing our parents. We have to focus on doing well in extracurriculars because obviously we want to give our best in whatever we do. There is always someone to answer to, and it can get overwhelming," said Louis Devoti, 17.
Many teens say they are actually looking forward to getting out of high school to escape some of the specific stress that comes with being a teenager. "Peer pressure and social situations on top of school and work can make people my age very stressed because we don't always know how to handle it. Trying to work, find a job, make money and do well in classes and extracurricular can be a lot to handle," said Travis.
For many teens, the pressure of school alone can become overwhelming, particularly in advanced level classes. For most students who push themselves through difficult classes, the future rewards are worth the stress.
"Advanced-level classes are more work, more projects, and usually tons of projects all at once. Sometimes they are worth the stress. I think the stress and pressure of advanced classes prepare us well for college though, and I think the work is more college level. I'm hoping all the stressing now pays off later," said Travis, who has a schedule full of advanced courses.
For many teenagers, the pressures of school are traded off for more responsibilities at home. From chores to family commitments, a teenager's day is hardly over when that final afternoon bell rings.
While teens that are overloaded often learn to deal with the pressures of all their responsibilities, many notice the negative effects of stress in their everyday lives.
"Stress can make me grumpy and irritable with my friends," said Travis. "It can also make me angry when things are getting the best of me, and I can lose my temper very easily when I'm overwhelmed."
Because stress is becoming a common occurrence for busy teenagers, many are learning early how to deal with it in their own ways.
"I pray when I'm stressed, and sometimes I'll even do things like scream into my pillow just to vent. I also get to release stress in sports when I'm working out or playing in a game, so that's good," said Esther Dina.
"I love to listen to my iPod or shop to relieve stress," said Gerrard. "It helps me sort of escape and forget things. It really cheers me up to do something for myself, and usually the things that I buy give me joy when I'm stressing, and help me remember that all the work I do is worth something."
Opportunities are endless for teens, and it seems inevitable that the young life will only become busier and busier. For the busiest of students with an iron in almost every fire, those who have been there say it's best to stay level-headed and prepared.