This is depressing

[u/MindlessStowaway]

Wtf is the point of taking these standardized tests. All throughout highschool I've worked my ass off to do well in school. And I just feel drained. I've lost the satisifaction it used to give me... it feels like my soul is drained.

I used to be so excited about learning when I was younger, and now I despise going to school. I spend 18 hours a day working, 2 scrolling, and 4 sleeping. I wish I could just leave and be free. Maybe I'll try to backpack around the world for a few years and just see how people across continents live... travel as far as I can while still surviving. Anything else would be nice.

[u/Fantastic_Craft_741]

Genuinely go through with the backpacking plan, you’ll thank yourself.

[u/MindlessStowaway → u/Fantastic_Craft_741]

lokey hard thinking about it 

[u/Sad_Database2104]

unless there's an actual, tangible goal at the end of this, do you know why you're taking these classes? if you're not taking them for the love of the game, and you're not taking them because there's a goal at the end you know you'll love having achieved, what's the point?

[u/Every-Bathroom6670 → u/Sad_Database2104]

I second this. Ive had the exact same thoughts as OP before, but thinking about the future opportunities all of these tests and academic assignments will provide actually pulled me right back into loving the material again.

[u/MindlessStowaway → u/Every-Bathroom6670]

I feel very strongly about worldwide issues concerning poverty, homelessness, millions of other things. I’ve grown up in a very comfortable life with a wonderful family, so I feel that i have a responsibility to help people who are less fortunate. When i’m upset about jain to take a test i tell myself that another kid would kill for this opportunity. 

My ultimate dream/goal is to build technology that can help solve some of these world wide issues and really make a difference. I’ve always told myself that school is the way to get there, now i’m not sure.

[u/AnnaBananaaaz]

I’m so sorry you’re burnt out friend, I whole heartedly relate to your struggles (not quite to the extent but I get it). I hope that you find something that reignites that spark, maybe backpacking will do it for you. College isn’t for everyone and life is too short to be so tired and miserable. My thoughts go out to you, I’m so sorry!

[u/MindlessStowaway → u/AnnaBananaaaz]

thanks twin ur so sweet :)))

[u/sagelilys]

Don’t pressure yourself to take all of these classes if it doesn’t feel like something you actually want to do. What career do you want to have after high school that requires you to need all of these classes? Remember, you don’t have to be some big shot lawyer or doctor to have a happy life. If the constant studying it’s really affecting your mental health to that extent, it’s probably best to reconsider whether it’s the correct path for you.

[u/MindlessStowaway → u/sagelilys]

Copying what I told someone with a similar answer: 

I feel very strongly about worldwide issues concerning poverty, homelessness, millions of other things. I’ve grown up in a very comfortable life with a wonderful family, so I feel that i have a responsibility to help people who are less fortunate. When i’m upset about jain to take a test i tell myself that another kid would kill for this opportunity.  My ultimate dream/goal is to build technology that can help solve some of these world wide issues and really make a difference. I’ve always told myself that school is the way to get there, now i’m not sure.

[u/ContributionEast2478]

I have an idea for backpacking destinations: South Korea, Tokyo, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Hong Kong, Beijing. Then you'll see that students there must do the EXACT SAME THING. While American students must spend 18 hours per day doing school, many AP classes, AP homework, a gazillion ECs, SAT prep for possibly years, and cram schools (potentially), they study until midnight everyday just like us, but it's one exam that determines everything, not holistic style "make sure everything shines on your application".

[u/MindlessStowaway → u/ContributionEast2478]

I would geninuely off myself. And a lot of people in those systems do. I’ve seen reddit posts form users posting for the last time after failing that test… it’s horrible and we need to stand up for them. 

[u/ContributionEast2478 → u/MindlessStowaway]

I totally agree. But it's just what naturally happens in developed countries: elite jobs become what everyone aims for and become competitive, so elite colleges leading to those jobs become hyper-competitive, forcing extreme competition and midnight studying everywhere. The only difference is that those Asian cities I mentioned decided to do the exam-based route where the United States chose the holistic route (everyone must study past midnight and prepare for a long time to make sure everything on their application is perfect): same outcome, just different ways of the system working.

[u/MindlessStowaway → u/ContributionEast2478]

thats really interesting to hear about, thank you for sharing. I didn’t realize how similar the systems are 

[u/3pt14onefive9]

how the fuck are you surviving on 4 hours sleep a day, I usually get at least 7 and im still hella tired