The A to Z Challenge now brings me to E. I had originally planned to do a “Camping at Easter” blog but after a family dinner last night, I decided to move to a topic very current in my life.
I
In June my daughter, niece and their friends will complete grade 12 and start the next phase of their lives. For the past several months I have watched as these bright young people have planned, applied and stress over their post high school education. They have prepared applications, volunteered at various locations, played on sports teams, studied for hours and held down part time jobs. Yes, they have done most of this based on their love of: the sport, the society or the cause but it is also expected!
Simon Fraser University
In order for these young people to get into the school or program of their choice they had to excel in all these areas. They needed to prove they are “academic”, “well rounded” and “engaged in their community”. I agree with the idea but I think we have forgotten that they are only 17. Yes, they have been accepted, but at what cost!
University of British Columbia
These kids are busier than I have ever been in my life and they are stressed out by the high achievement that is expected of them. To top it off, after they have spent the endless hours completing all of these requirements, they must worry if the committee on the other end will “select them”. Leaving their future in the hands of strangers who do not know or understand the emotion, time and passion that has been given to the choices these kids have made.
University of Victoria
They must endure family gathering knowing the questions of “What school are you going to next year?” or “What career are you planning to go into?” are certain to come up.
University of Life
Stress and anxiety is at an all time high with our young people and after watching this group go through this process I can understand why. Yes, they need to be responsible, but I think this has gone too far. The group I know is more responsible than many adults. They have an entire life to “be a grown up”, let’s let them enjoy their graduation before taking on the weight of the world!
💖 mom
Camp That Site 
I agree. My older niece is in her first year at uni and had to go through these hoops last year. It’s the same everywhere it seems. Good luck to all your young people!
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Thanks Anabel, my daughter has been accepted to the school of her choice but I have been amazed by the process. I am in ahh of what these kids can do in a day.
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Second education can be challenging but overall a great experience to help teach our youth to be responsible and show them the need to plan well ahead for the road ahead of them.
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I completely agree. The stress and pressure put on young people of every age (but especially the college-bound) is ridiculous. What happened to finding your path in life and simply starting it? I wish there still mainstream apprenticeships to learn occupations instead.
Jessica
2015 A to Z Blogger
Visions of Other Worlds
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So glad my kids are a decade past this stressful time. It does se very overwhelming to me.
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found you via the a to z blogging challenge . We are campers in BC too and could relate to many of your posts…especially the one on perked coffee!
I will be back!
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My son, at 12 years, already worries about his GPA and his “extracurriculars”. I’m not quite sure why the school does career counselling with the kids in the third grade, but we have to do plenty at home to try to counteract the pressure… Sheesh!
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I hear you, it’s crazy!
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I couldn’t agree more! It seems this had accelerated the last 10 years, or maybe it is just forgetting my university years:)
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we are only at the level of getting into elementary school, which seems to have taken on the level of stress that should only come with applying to colleges! I can’t even imagine how this is going to progress through the years!
Karilyn
A to Z Blogger at nobackhome.com
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Maybe people will wise up and ease some of the pressure on these kids. I am heading over now to check out of your blog
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