College application season has arrived for seniors. All of us are drafting and redrafting essays that will lead us to big decisions. We’re on our way to becoming adults and having to make conscientious choices. Even though this is an important time in our lives, the level of importance placed on getting into college can oftentimes become overwhelming.

Even some freshmen and sophomores are freaking out about colleges and where they want to end up. Frankly, this should not be a main concern on their minds. Very few people know who they are at that age, which is still the case for many seniors. If you do, congratulations. But I think most of us are still discovering new things about ourselves every day that change the way we think about the future.

We need a little space to discover ourselves. College is vital, but it’s not worth it if you cash in your mental health.

Taking time to really enjoy and have fun in life is crucial. We have to remember we are still the young people. High school is one of our last chances to truly be a free of the stress and responsibilities of adulthood, not something to rush through. Once we go to college, it is the official start of our lives as adults. No one should put off being happy. Yes, hard work is necessary for personal success, but always make time for yourself in the process — you might find it beneficial.

If you get rejected from a college, I promise it wasn’t because you got an extra hour of sleep or took one night to hang out with friends. It just didn’t work out and might not have been the place for you for reasons beyond your control.

You will eventually find where you fit in and it might not be where you originally planned. The kids at Oak Park High School as a whole work a lot harder than average high schoolers and are generally the brightest around. If you do the best you can, while ensuring the best outcome for yourself, then you’re going to do great and, maybe someday, be someone much greater than your young self could have predicted.