Acing my calculus test on Taylor series, clutching the final win for my varsity tennis team and getting into a top 15 college all while having a girlfriend was not so bad.
It is widely recognized that junior year is the pinnacle of a student’s high school career, a pivotal stage where a student must do all they can to distinguish themselves in the more than ever competitive college admission process. During my junior year, I met my girlfriend. Adding a significant other into my already busy life should have made my life almost impossible according to popular belief and those around me. It is true; my relationship added one more thing to my plate. However, it is completely doable as long as you set boundaries and communicate.
Boundaries are essential to any relationship, but they are especially important when you are juggling so many other commitments. For example, whenever I had a big test coming up or a college application deadline approaching, I would always let my girlfriend know that I needed to focus on those priorities. A healthy relationship revolves around a mutual respect for each other’s goals and responsibilities.
Setting aside specific times for schoolwork, but also while making sure you spend enough time with your significant other to make them feel seen can not be stressed enough. Too many let academics consume their lives. Giving yourself the opportunity to spend time with your partner provides you the chance to destress.
Communication is also another key ingredient to a healthy relationship. Being honest about your schedule and workload allows your partner to understand how they can best support you. If you are swamped with homework or extracurriculars, do not pretend everything is fine. Instead, let them know you might be busier than usual. A good partner will understand and support you. At the same time, make sure to listen to their needs, too.
I remember one week during junior year, I had three tests and two tennis games. My girlfriend and I barely saw each other, but we always made sure to check in with each other every day. Even a quick ‘good luck on your game’ text meant a lot. When the week was over, we celebrated by sharing our favorite meal: a beef tofu soup with spicy pork bulgogi and matcha green tea.
In fact, I would not be where I am without my girlfriend. You may think that your boyfriend or girlfriend would be only a distraction to your work, but they will always be there to motivate you to succeed and act as a best friend when you need it most. I study with her often as we help one another prepare for presentations and tests. Most notably, she offered an extra pair of eyes and emotional support for my plethora of college essays. I could not be more grateful for her. Through this, I have learned that being in a relationship is the opposite of an academic downfall: it is a blessing in disguise.
Balancing a relationship with schoolwork won’t always be easy. There will always be ups and downs, but by maintaining a healthy work life balance, you can have a strong relationship without sacrificing your academics or extracurriculars. Having a significant other by your side can go a long way. Savannah James let LeBron James play basketball, and now he is one of the greatest basketball players of all time. Ω
