What literature will I learn at school?

Do You Think I Care Too Much About School?

• Ever since I was old enough to go to school my parents told me to learn as much as I can and work very hard. They came from small african villages and through hard work and education they are now almost millionaires. So, I've been to 2 school districts and in both I was always in the top 3 of my class. School has mostly been easy, because I like to read, so essays are no trouble, and math is just practice. I also always like to go above and beyond. For example, last year we had this assignment where in 1 month you needed to get 50 homework points. You could get them from writing an essay, watching an educational movie, reciting poems, and winning review games. Every task was worth 10-20 points. I got 220. There was also this literature vocabulary activity at the beginning of this year where we got a book with 20 new vocab words and exercises with about 80 questions to go with it each unit. There were 15 units. I finished all of them by the 2nd weekend of school. I really like to learn as much as possible and do my best. I want to make the most of my education that so many people around the world would kill for. I also want to go to Harvard to study anesthesiology. But, now I'm in high school and the work is getting harder. I have to stay up to 1 or 2, or sometimes even all night to finish and understand it. I have 97 and above in all my classes, but I try to get the highest grades I possibly can. For example, yesterday was the end of the term. I have a 99% in science, but I retook a test I'd gotten a 90% on just to get my grade to 100%. I want to be valedictorian, so every grade counts. And there are people in my class who seem naturally smart and don't have to study as hard to get good grades. Yesterday my class did codes in morse codes. When it came time to guess my code, everyone started saying workaholic, and tryhard. I just want to do well in life. My parents say the work will pay off, but they are saying it less now. I asked them what they though of me and they said, "someone who's very serious about their work." My sister said to me today when I said I was too busy at the moment to wash the dishes, "you think the only thing that matters in life is your academic work." I tried ot to take it to heart since my sister didn't take school that serious, is 27 years old, never had a boyfriend, still lives at home, and doesn't seem to have any friends, even her coworkers. I feel like I have nothing in my life except my grades. I always say to myself that it will all pay off, and the hard work now will make my future easier and brighter than my parent's. Sometimes though, I feel like I'm not enjoying my youth. The thing is, most of the people in my grade who seem to be having the most fun and friends drink, do weed, and go far with their boyfriends. It seems to me, high school will end and then none of what I did or didn't do will matter, but the grades will be there. I get along just fine with people at school, but I know if I take it any deeper than casual, I'll be sucked into their problems and drama. People have also told me if I wasn't so into school they'd like me more. I have a twin brother and he always says that I study too hard. One time he said that I don't know how to have fun. He admitted once that he's jealous and he knows that I'll be successful and he probably won't. I get the feeling this is how most of my classmates feel. When I'm not doing homework, I'm doing robotics, public speaking, student council, class president, young writer's club, essay contests, tutoring middle schools, science olympiad, volunteering, soccer/basketball, or reading a good book. What should I do? I know you should have fun in high school, but everyone in my school who is like that is really either doing drugs, or who sees me as competition. It kind of Just seems like a waste of time to be friends w/ people who won't be lifelong, and I know in my heart of hearts don't really like me. Do I seem like a workaholic to you? Do you think I'm obsessed? Do you think my peers are intimidated by me? How do you think they see me? What would you describe my personality as? Do you think I should just stop caring about what my peers think? Do you think I will get into Harvard?

• Answer:

  I think its good that you work so hard, but you should also take some time for yourself :) I also think that your peers probably are a little intimidated by you, and they probably feell like you would treat them like fools or idiots if they were to hang out with you. I think you have good cause to care about your grades, and you will definitely get far in life. As for Harvard, its more about being well rounded with excellent grades. Try and get experience from the world outside studying. It will make everything that much clearer and you'll be glad you did it. Good luck!