By Erin Wheeler, College Admissions Coach
Each spring, high school students look ahead at their schedule for the following year. This process involves evaluating core and elective class offerings, reviewing graduation requirements, scheduling appointments with the guidance office, completing selection forms, and making decisions. Students carefully choose their classes for the next year, trying to balance requirements, taking competitive classes, and squeeze in some fun electives as well. Sometimes, to make that all work, students feel that certain sacrifices must be made.
Year after year, I am shocked by the number of students who come into our office and say they skip lunch due to their class schedule. They tell me that they “just don’t eat” or “sneak food during class,” or eat lunch during class, which they find “awkward.” Some have even shared strategies about the quietest or least offensive-smelling foods to eat in a silent room full of their peers. The students who choose to skip lunch are often also athletes and leaders, and they take a challenging course load, including AP, honors, and college-level classes, without a study hall or free period. This frequently means coming to school early and/or staying late, which extends the day even further.
According to the New York State Department of Labor, employees are mandated to take a half-hour lunch break during every six-hour working period. High school students are in school for at least six hours but are not required to do the same. This lunch break is a necessary time to refuel their bodies, catch up with friends, take a break, and move around a bit to reset.
Yes, it’s important to take competitive classes and earn strong grades. But these achievements should not come to the detriment of a student’s mental and physical health. At CANY, we are happy to help our clients choose the best course options for the upcoming year. With some creativity and compromise, there are other ways to fit in additional classes, such as taking a summer class through the high school or local community college (many offer free courses), completing an online course, earning gym credit as a varsity athlete, or even registering for an evening adult education class. No one can think straight on an empty stomach, and there are plenty of ways to ensure our students have the downtime and nutrition they need for a successful school day.
College admissions has become competitive, but we strongly believe students should enjoy their high schools years and be…teenagers!
