A friend who lives in Massachusetts recently told me Needham High School, located in a Boston suburb, initially failed in its efforts to instate a "No Homework Weekend" once a month. School officials are now taking steps to make the policy work in the future.

Principal Paul Richards and the rest of his Stress Reduction Committee felt that "No Homework Weekends" would give students the opportunity to relax and spend time with family and friends, according to an Oct. 29, 2007, article published in the New York Times.

Although Centennial High School has not attempted to institute this policy, the administrators have implemented a weekly study hall period that rotates among different subjects. The idea is to give students a reprieve and time to catch up in a subject every few weeks.

It has been a very popular addition to this year's schedule, and for the most part, students really appreciate it. Even if students are not always productive during this period, they still get a break. Any break in the monotonous and intense school schedule definitely helps students.

However, I wonder if teachers, parents and students do enough to help alleviate stress. Many have labeled my generation, the Millenialists, the most stressed out generation to date. Many students who finish high school are so burned out that they are not ready to take the next step to further their education. A study hall period once a week, or even an entire "No Homework Weekend," is not really enough to make a huge impact.

I wish I had a brilliant and perfect solution. Unfortunately, I am not about to say anything new, as college admissions continue to be extremely competitive. Thousands and thousands of students, not just in this country, but across the globe, compete for a few spots in the most selective brand-name universities. Everyone wants to get an edge over his or her competitor.

Students have to be the ones to fix the system. I am just as guilty as the next one getting caught up in its power. Resist the urge to fill your schedule completely with the hardest classes. Take some classes because you want to, not because you feel you must. The same goes with activities. Do things that you want to do and that interest you. Do not do something just because you think it will make you look good to a college. That gives you less time to enjoy your high school experience.

It is important to realize that a college has to sell itself to you as well. If they do not want you, then you should not want them. Nobody likes to beg and I can almost guarantee you will find a place that is better suited for you.

Some say high school is supposed to be the best four years of your life. Do not let a system ruin that for you. Until high schools figure out a way to solve the stressed-out-teen problem, try your best to resolve it yourself so you can better enjoy and appreciate your high school experience.

Lisa Silverman is 2008 graduate of Centennial High School. You can e-mail her at cdumler@theviewnewspapers.com.

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