To some people, the high school years are filled with fun experiences that make them some of the best years of their lives. But to others, high school is a mashup of stressful days and drama. Most people, however, view their high school experience as a blend of both beautiful and challenging days.

Senior Izzi Stratton outlined her top 5 and worst 5 parts of her high school experience as:

Best 5

• Making friends and relationships
• Being able to learn a variety of different subjects and skills
• You figure out what you like and dislike academically, socially, and with sports
• A great support system to prepare you for the future
• Helps you stay productive 

Worst 5

• Teenagers’ tendencies to compare themselves to others
• Sometimes you get stuck in classes you don’t like and you get forced to do things you’re not passionate about. 
• Teachers that don’t help you learn as much
• Being tired because you have to wake up early
• Constant pressure and concern about grades and classes

Junior Harvest Hale also listed her favorite and least favorite aspects of high school:

Best:

• There is a wide variety of classes to choose from
• Social— you can get to know lots of different people and teachers
• Athletics
• Being able to try new things and get exposed to lots of different things
• Experiential learning 

Worst: 

• Having to prepare for the ACT
• The stress of getting good college resumes and getting good grades so that you can get into a good college
• Tests in every class that put pressure on students
• Having to take classes you don’t like
• Not getting enough sleep