School is not easy. All of my classes, including three APs, cross country every day after school and numerous extra-curriculars take up a lot of time and give me little time to do homework or “enjoy.” I often question myself and wonder, “Why?” Why am I doing all of this? It seems that it’s just me trying to “keep up” with everyone else, and of course, for college. Junior year—everyone says it’s the most critical year of high school and the most important for college. Usually, I console myself by trying to put it all in the big picture—I want to be a surgeon. If I don’t do so well on an AP U.S. History exam and if I don’t join another club, I will still turn out alright. This endless pressure that permeates my life forces me to make sacrifices, such as sleep. But I know that in 15 years from now, when I am a practicing surgeon, it will all be worth it. I also try to find consolation in my faith; the minyanim I participate in at my school allow me to change my mindset focus to my community. My community service activity, mentoring a young boy with special needs, allows me to realize how lucky I am to be where I am in life.