The week leading up to winter break is a challenging time for many students at Edison High School. Many eagerly wait for the holidays to begin as an influx of assessments and projects bring overwhelming pressure onto students right before vacation starts.
For students in advanced courses, the workload is especially demanding. Some students get very little rest during their packed schedules. The stress of managing multiple responsibilities leaves many exhausted and overwhelmed.
“I felt really stressed and overwhelmed during the last week before break, as I had multiple presentations, quizzes, and tests every single day, on top of my ECs (extracurriculars),” said Aprant Sahoo ‘26.
The rapid pace of new material and assessments that some teachers add in the limited time before break makes it incredibly stressful for the students. Students noted that they were often tested on content shortly after learning it, making it harder to prepare effectively.
“Studying is one thing, but studying for something you basically learned a day earlier was much harder,” said Sumedh Natu ‘25.
The timing of assignments during the holiday season also created a sense of conflict for students. Some struggled to focus on school through the excitement for the holidays.
“It felt like after each thing I ticked off on my to-do list, something else would get added onto the already long list,” said Samyuktha Nair ‘26.
Not all students experienced the same level of pressure, however. Some seniors, for instance, felt more relaxed during the week.
“I did not receive much pressure throughout this week. But also since I am a Senior, I did not want to take much stress upon myself,” said Nirmit Bhoyar ‘25.
These experiences lead to questions about how schools can support students during the week leading up to a break. Although some students suggested reducing the number of assignments, others emphasized the importance of better pacing and management to avoid last-minute cramming.
As the holidays have ended, the pressure students experience in the final week before break highlights the importance of balancing academic rigor and mental well-being. Addressing this challenge could create a more enjoyable lead-up to future years.
