Uni High Gargoyle Staff Blog

With so many of my friends taking APs when they’re only sophomores, I definitely feel I’m on the lazy side like Elaine Gu. Last week I watched them come to school every day looking tired and worn out. By the end of the week they looked like walking zombies.

Although part of me felt guilty that I was taking no APs, the other part felt that some of my friends were going too far. Right now I haven’t even thought about what college I plan on going to or considered starting to study for the SAT. One of my friends missed the PLAN test we took last semester because the SAT was on that same day.

Honestly, I don’t give college as much importance as some people do. I don’t feel my happiness depends on getting into an Ivy League school. Besides, you’re only young once, so why not enjoy your high school years instead of constantly preparing yourself for college? True, it’s good to plan a little, but sometimes it’s nice to live in the present.

I have to say that a week later I don’t feel quite so guilty about being a slacker. When I think about it, not only does the stress of taking APs seem pointless, some of the APs don’t matter that much either. I haven’t even heard of some of the subjects my friends are taking APs for because I never thought there would be a class for them.

And if taking four APs means you have to give up your sanity, then I think I’d much rather be called a slacker.

— Avanti Chajed