I think it’s time that some of you notice the prefix “extra” in the word “extracurricular.”

I also think that, by looking at your baggy eyes and unwashed hair, and your tweets about your above average yet “not good enough” GPA, you are suffering from a disease called “well-rounded.”

Believe me, I would know. It takes an overstressed “well-rounded” kid to know one. You like being busy and you want to impress colleges and be the golden child of the family that your aunts and uncles will pat on the back and approve of, but it’s hard to approve of a bitter, crying mess.

You see, the word “extracurricular” implies a sort of passiveness or a sense of choice; extracurriculars, not life-or-death-curriculars.

They’re called extra because thats what they are. The sane kids get that. You see them going to their one activity in the fall, maybe one in the spring, and you think to yourself: “Only TWO activities? Do you ever care about college?” All the while you, of course, are struggling to remember the last time you didn’t use a large coffee as a substitute for sleep, or had dinner with your family.

I’m sorry to say that you, as an extreme overachiever, have lost your ability to reason about the amount of stress suitable for a teenager to handle. As overachievers, we can sometimes pride ourselves on our ability to do what others consider to be insane. So what if I like to be a part of Key Club, Tri-M, the track team, French Honors Society, and take five AP classes at the same time? (Let’s not even get into the AP classes.)

After school activities were meant to give kids fun opportunities, not migraines and anxiety. Of course, I’m not telling you to give up completely. Getting involved is a good way to make friends and find passions. However, there is a difference between being well-rounded and crazy. It’s important to do what makes you happy, but not at the cost of your happiness.

Though I’m not exactly sure how you took the time out of your day to read this, the idea is that there’s a way to balance being well-rounded and being a real human being. Of all the things going on in your life, take care of yourself first. Your sanity should come before your achievements. Try yoga. Take a nap. Maybe you can even watch a half an hour of TV before your homework. Know that if you, the invincible student, need help, you shouldn’t be embarrassed. There’s more than enough well-rounded, crazy people here to help.

By Stephanie Sorich