A German proverb tells us, “To aim is not enough, you must hit!” Today’s society constantly pushes teenagers to excel. Some teens are driven by personal ambition while others are motivated by sources such as parents or counselors. But, in most any case, there is a student somewhere carrying the burden of stress.

No longer can we simply do our best, instead we must be the best. If we settle for average, we jeopardize our futures. If we fail to study enough [or until our brains hurt] we run the risk of failing in life. This may sound extreme, but to those students under the crunch of looming finals, this may sound somewhat familiar.

My dad likes to quote the all-knowing Yoda to me saying, “Try not, do.” Now, sometimes I resent hearing that, especially when I have a test that day and I still feel unprepared. But, when I am discouraged about accomplishing something, I remember that phrase which helps motivate me. What it is really saying is don’t try to reach your goals– believe you can and strive towards it.

I am always torn between lowering my expectations or placing them high. I feel like if people would lower their standards just a little bit, I would have the chance to surprise them. But, on the other hand, if I place my standards high, I always have something to aim for.

As if the stress of high school isn’t enough, students have to be concerned with getting into a respectable college. The pressure to succeed weighs heavy on many upperclassmen with the strain of S.A.T.s and college preparations. How many times as teens do we hear the following:

“It’s only your life, but don’t worry, I’m sure you’ll do fine.”

Can I hear an amen?

But, even with all the pressure to excel, I think that statement does hold some hope. It is my life! I know everything will be fine but, at the moment, it sometimes seems like everything is closing in around me. There are so many decisions to make and time is always against me.

When I look at college ads and think about graduation and everything that comes with it, my head starts to hurt. I feel like I have to do well on the S.A.T.s and I have to make my parents happy with the college I choose. But, the reality is that if I keep pushing for just a little bit longer, everything will turn out and fall into place.

Today, I try not; I do.