Breaking the grade barrier: Asian-American academic pressure

Mental health is a critical issue in education, particularly for Asian-American students who often face intense academic pressure. Many parents prioritize academic success, which can leave students feeling as though their worth is tied solely to their grades. This pressure is further compounded by societal stereotypes that Asian students must excel academically. Furthermore, Asians are considered to be the “model minority,” for other races, and have to also live up to that stereotype as well.

According to Sarah D. Sparks of Education Week, it can be really damaging when students are forced to live up to broad social stereotypes around academic success. These combined pressures can lead to mental health struggles, including anxiety and depression. For some students, the stress can create a cycle where lower grades result in greater pressure, further hindering academic performance. The fear of failing to meet expectations can significantly harm their emotional well-being. Over time, this cycle can escalate, affecting both their mental health and academic success. It is important to address these pressures and stereotypes to better support students. By fostering a healthier environment, educators and parents can help alleviate the challenges Asian-American students face.

As students spend their time doing schoolwork, there isn’t much time for students to be active physically as well. But for schools and for the students’ health, physical performance is extremely important.

According to an article by Dr. Brian Cole of Sports Medicine Weekly, exercising has significant health benefits, such as increased mental clarity, reduced stress, and better time management skills. These benefits are extremely important to school and grades, but there’s just one problem: some cultural expectations force kids to prioritize school work over physical activity. There is always that pressure to study for your quiz instead of going for a walk, to write that essay instead of going to the gym, to finish your homework instead of shooting hoops with your friends. To those focused on pursuing academics, these health-related activities aren’t prioritized, reducing overall health. This not only leads to worse grades, but worse health and reduced growth.

Social connections are extremely important to everyone, and will stay important throughout their lives. Social skills are what will help you network for that dream job at Apple, or what will gain you acceptance into your dream college. But, more importantly, social skills are what will help you choose your friends. According to an article by PsyPost, having more friends can prevent the development of mental illnesses, such as depression and anxiety. However, the pressure put upon students to study instead of going out with friends can negate their ability to mingle with peers. Friends are arguably one of the most important things needed in today’s world, and without social opportunities due to all the time spent studying, keeping healthy friendships can become difficult.

All in all, pressure exerted onto Asian-American students can ruin their mental health, decrease their physical performance, and break down their social life. Parents and educators must understand that it’s okay for their students to take breaks every now and then, since it’s for the better. By taking breaks, kids can strengthen their mental and physical health and increase their social skills. So keep on taking breaks, and watch the magic happen.

Nahar Grewal

Adams Middle School Grade 8