With Whippany Park seniors hitting the second major deadline of the college application season, I feel that it’s as good a time as any to talk about the stress associated with applying to college.

It can feel like your entire high school career is centered around college acceptance. From trying to get good grades, stocking up on APs and Honors classes, and throwing a hat into the ring of every club and activity that’s offered to you, it’s natural to feel the pressure. We’re at the point where it seems like you can’t ask your uncle to pass the bread at a family holiday without the expectation of listing all the schools you’re interested in. You hear non stop conversations in the hallways comparing the acceptance rates of different colleges, and the never-ending debates about the methods of essay writing. The pressure is all around us, but it’s not fair to make that your entire life.

I have friends that couldn’t enjoy their last Halloween as kids because of college deadlines. I know plenty of people who were so stressed that their bodies reacted and they got sick. I’ve heard stories about breakdown after breakdown. But at the end of the day, we just need to learn to be easier on ourselves. I would never advertise a complete loss of concern, but everyone needs to be reminded that college isn’t the be all end all to life. So when it all gets to be too much, step back.

Call a friend, bake some cookies, listen to music, make art, watch TV – it doesn’t matter what you do, just give yourself some space! So, to the class of 2018: Remember that whatever happens in the coming months, it doesn’t define you forever.