Ila Bumagin, Junior – ASSISTANT EDITOR
“Look at the flowers!” “Look at the sky!” “It’s supposed to be 70º on Monday, I can wear my new skirt!” The joys of spring are all around us, but not for high school students. Instead, the walls of Marblehead High and the piling work surround us. Now, I don’t want to sound too dire – being able to go to the beach or walk around town is a wonderful break from all the pressure. But even as the sun shines on my face, I get a “ding” from my phone, telling me there is yet another assignment due. Every single teacher wants us to “enjoy the summer weather!” But how am I to do that when there remain three units left and three weeks of school? We force the happy summer feeling, but are then unable to motivate ourselves to do work.
Everyone is always saying that spring is their favorite season because it is heralding summer. I, on the other hand, want a season that knows its true identity. And every other season knows its place. Summer is gorgeous every day, so there is no school. We are free to enjoy every second. Fall is windy but scenic, and that gives you some days to huddle up inside to study, and some days outside to go out apple picking. Accordingly, the school work is medium. Winter is blustery, but at least it’s full on. We buckle down, push our way through the third quarter, and forget that any joy exists.
Spring disguises itself in flowy scents, cutesy rhymes (April showers make May flowers, etc.), and weather that no clothes can account for. But really, spring can’t face the facts – it’s cold, rainy, it brings the most work, and it just wants to be summer. It’s trying so hard to fit in. Maybe if it was just itself, I would join the crowd in its anticipation of summer.
But just like high school students who desperately want to achieve good grades, satisfy parents’ and teachers’ expectations, and keep up with changing friend groups, spring has some work to do. It should understand why it disguises itself, and know that if the cover came off, people would like it for who it is. And, maybe the world shouldn’t judge it so harshly for the disguise – it too is just living life the best it can.
So, the next time you wonder why you’re stressed even though “It’s spring! Be happy!”, know that it’s okay to just be. No disguises are needed, and whatever cold wind blows through will eventually lead to summer. Happy Mental Health Awareness Month! 🙂