Success Happy

Why do people strain themselves in school?

I went to a high school with a rigorous higher education program. After a couple years of it, I was having a very difficult time balancing the work with my hobbies and passions. My social life had already been reduced to nothing because of this, but I refused to give up my hobbies. It wasn't until halfway through the 4 year program that I questioned myself as to why I was doing it. I did some research and found that the program would give me enough credits to skip my freshman year of undergrad, and I saw no incentive to want to sacrifice my high school years just to sacrifice a year of college, which from what I understood was the life. So I dropped the program, and now two years later I'm at college where there is a similar program as the one in my high school. I certainly steered clear of it, but I want to know why so many people eagerly sign away their lives in programs such as these. Whenever I ask someone about it they almost always are unable to give me an answer, which reminds me of myself in 10th grade as I hadn't questioned my path until then. It can't be all about money can it? I would be shocked if so many people thought it was worth all the time sacrificed and good times missed in order to have six cars instead of two when they're 45.

Public Comments

1. because the better you are the more chance you have, and my parents make me,
2. "In a competitive high school, out of grades, sleep and friends, you can have two out of the three." I am in the same situation. I just don't sleep. For me, it has nothing to do with money. However, the harder I work in high school, it is likely I will get into more colleges and thus have more choice in where I end up attending. I figure, I may be suffering now, but it'll be worth it if I attend my dream college (well, one must hope).
3. Reason One: I hate feeling counterproductive. It's a lot of pain, but if I were to slacken the load a bit, I know I'd feel like I'm not getting anything done. It's a weird mentality, I know, but it's been one that's been ingrained by my parents. Reason Two: This is really bad, but I'd like to prove that I'm better than most people. There's lots of lazy slackers who think they can just coast their way to life. Well, I've already put such an investment in my studies that I don't want to just drop it and end up like them. Nothing could be more depressing than having nothing to show for all your hard work. It's just not fulfilling. So yeah, it's like protecting my investment. It's really harsh, but it's true... I know I feel this.
4. Because of several reasons depending on the individual. Some people are over achievers..others ENJOY school..they dont like going to movies, hanging out, partying...they love their books..parental pressure..some people are competitive..others dont exactly know why they do it..