Film to be Shown at Holmdel High School Describes a Nationwide Culture That Promotes Academic Stress

In his experience at Holmdel High School, Director of Counseling Services Eric Swensen says he's noticed two ways students drive themselves into stressful situations. 

"I think they tend to put a lot on themselves, with a whole lot of high level courses. It's just that they are very conscientious students. It's competitive," he said. 

Another way is a single-minded focus on getting into one particular college or university, and insisting no other will do. "'I need to get into School 'A'. That's it, " Swensen said. "We definitely do see that a lot." 

A view of the current culture of academic pressure coming from parents, colleges and the educational system is depicted in a film called The Race to Nowhere, to be shown at Holmdel High School on Tuesday at 7 p.m. In one section, filmmaker Vicki H. Abeles interviews teachers and high schoolers about how taxing it can be to take multiple, college-level AP courses to stand out to college admissions officers. The film is sponsored by the Holmdel Alliance to Prevent Alcoholism and Drug Abuse.  (See film trailers at right.) 

Swensen said students need to have a sense of control and someone to talk to in order to lessen feelings of anxiety. He pointed out a few of the ways the Counseling Services Program reaches out: 

• The "Senior Option," introduced last year and already embraced by over half the seniors, has made some students happier. "We allow students to choose whether to start homeroom at first period (7:30 a.m.) or second period (8:22 a.m.)," said Swensen. The later start is a blessing for sleepyheads, allows time for a better breakfast, and is approved by college admission counselors, he said. 
• Student Assistance Counselor Cathleen Kudisch, assigned to the Satz School and Holmdel High School, counsels students experiencing difficulties, and also has an open door policy to those who need to drop in and talk about a tough day and squeeze a rubber stress ball. "She promotes a lot of coping mechanisms," he said. 
• The Transitions program alleviates every new student's first day jitters by pairing volunteer upperclassmen with new students and incoming freshman. 
• Students with their heart set on just one college or university are reminded there are 3,000 others out there. "We try to broaden their horizons," Swensen said. He asks parents to help their kids by introducing them to many choices, and having a backup plan to their first choice school. 

To learn more about the services provided by the district's Counseling Services , visit their website. 

RACE TO NOWHERE

When: Tuesday, April 12, 7 p.m.

Where: Holmdel High School

Tickets: $10 in advance or $15 at the door

To learn more about the Race to Nowhere film and see trailers of the film, visit their website.

PTSO meeting at Holmdel High April 11: Susan Tellone-McCoy, a Crisis Coordinator from  Manasquan High School will be speaking about managing student stress.