By Jayvien Pearson
Features and Entertainment Reporter
Students are feeling the pressure as they try to balance schoolwork, sports, and social lives. With overflowing schedules and constant demands, it’s a struggle to keep up—but somehow, they’re finding ways to juggle it all, navigating the chaos with determination and grit.
Varsity boys basketball player Jaylen Blakes said that balancing sports and school takes focus. He said that you need to make sure to do your work on time. What motivates him is being afraid of failure. Photo by Marciara Mikal.
Despite the pressure, many students are learning to manage their time, prioritize tasks, and find moments to recharge. Balancing school, sports, and social lives requires careful planning and often means making sacrifices in one area to succeed in another.
“I manage my time by focusing on one thing at a time; when it’s school time, I make the most of my time and vice versa for my other activities,” Josh Hill said.
Many students spend more time on homework than on their social lives or sports, especially as school workloads increase. In some cases, this means sacrificing practices or social events just to keep up with the demands of schoolwork. Although students understand the importance of staying active and socializing, the pressure to do well academically often comes first. Research shows that the average high school student spends between 6 to 8 hours a week on homework, with many reporting that this workload directly impacts their ability to participate in extracurricular activities and socialize. A study by the American Psychological Association found that 45% of teens experience high levels of stress due to academic pressures, often leading them to sacrifice time with friends or sports in favor of completing assignments.
“My after-school activities demand a lot of time, so I try to do my homework and then go to my activities. I never have enough time,” Terrell Henderson said.
Balancing social activities with other commitments can be really challenging, especially when you have a lot on your plate. Between school, sports, part-time jobs, and other responsibilities, it’s easy to feel like there’s just not enough time in the day. Finding that balance is tough, but it often requires making tough decisions and learning how to prioritize what’s most important at the moment.
“It is because you gotta be determined and willing to let stuff go during that time. You have to be fully committed and ok with being left out,” Josh Hill said.
Staying motivated to keep up with commitments can be tough, but having a sense of accomplishment, like finishing a project or getting a good grade, can also help keep the momentum going. Support from friends, family, or coaches can be a huge motivator, too, as it reminds kids that they’re not in it alone. Lastly, taking breaks and rewarding themselves after hitting milestones helps maintain energy and focus over time.
“Prioritizing self-care is important. I feel when a person is taking care of themselves and doing things that they enjoy, they will exude a happier feeling,” Mrs. Pagliuco said.
family plays a big role in helping me keep up with my commitments. They encourage me to stay organized and remind me to balance my time between school, sports, and relaxation. Whenever things get overwhelming, they’re always there to offer support, whether it’s helping with a study session or just providing some emotional encouragement.
“It’s important to provide students with a safe space where they do not feel judged and are comfortable with sharing their feelings and feel validated and heard. Make sure the student is listened to and that someone understands them and has their backs,” Mrs Pagliuco said
To balance school, sports, and social activities, it’s essential to prioritize time management by setting a clear schedule and breaking tasks into manageable chunks. Additionally, learning to say “no” when necessary and making time for self-care can help prevent burnout and ensure you stay engaged in both academics and extracurriculars.
“Be positive, have fun, but be smart, stay with your commitment. It will all work out in the end,” Hill said.
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