I'm a sophmore in high school and you'd think life would fine and dandy. No pressure, right? Wrong. There are enormous amounts of pressure. Everyday I'm reminded that I only have 4 years left and it's off to college, off to the real world. My sisters are constantly telling me what classes to take, what clubs to join, what volunteer work to do, blah, blah, blah. They have my life planned out for me, it's a perfect equation in order for me to get into that selective university. Expect for that one little detail; I have no say at all.

Now, I know what you're thinking, 'Oh poor little girl, someone actually cares. What a hard life.' or 'Teenage angst, splendid.' Fortunately, I know that I am blessed to have people actually care about me. And I'm not about to go emo on you and give you sob story on how no one 'gets me'. I'm not like that, I despise people like that. I'm just trying to say that it's awfully annoying having people plan your life for you. Guidance I can handle, but forcing me to do something, not so much. I've heard the things I have to do in order to get into a good college, I've known since I was seven. And I haven't heard the end of it since.

According to many, I need to do something amazing in order to impress future colleges. What the hell? What happened to getting good grades and being in a few clubs? That used to be all it took. Now, everyone knows all the little things in order to get in the 'system.'. No, no you can't just get good grades and do a little volunteer work. You've got to take all AP and Honors classes, with A's I might add, not just be in a club but be president of that club. Think volunteer work will look good? Nope. You can't just volunteer, you need start you're own organization. Tutoring? Start you're own tutoring bussiness. Better yet, teach a class. It's all about extremes, kids. You've got to be over the top but not look desperate. You've got to make it look like this all just pleasantly fell into your lap, like it didn't take manipulating, an oath in blood, and a few thousand tears. No, no your just naturally amazing.

Well, at least that's what it seems like people are telling me. Okay, so the things above may be a little exaggerated but it's not too far from the truth. Every kid applying to colleges do the AP, volunteer, clubs, sports thing. Every kid is incredibly well rounded, resulting in colleges looking for something more. They're looking for kids with 'passion'. Not just a general passion but something specific. You can't just be passionate for writing, nope, not going to fly. You have a passion for journalism or writing novels. You're okay with this? Well, now it's time to show them. Into journalsim? Work for a newspaper and become a featured writer by the time your a senior. Want to write novels? Get a book published or better yet, two. They want the kid that's going to bring their college the most recognition. They want, no, they need that kid who's going to be the next Obama, Barbra Walters, Stephenie Meyer. Colleges want the next big thing.

Feeling a little scared? Nervous? Having the overwhelming feeling to sleep and never wake up? Welcome to my life, folks. It's going to be one hell of a ride.