“I was always afraid of what people thought...”
By Sophia Ford
“Whether that is real or perceived, students have often said they don't want to do
something because they are afraid of being made fun of,” said radio and television teacher and head of the Mishawaka Network, Matthew Rendall. Throughout high school, students are given many opportunities to grow and find things they love. Some find their passion and some do not, often for fear of being judged.
According to a survey conducted by the Alltold, over 70% of students regret turning
down an opportunity out of fear of being judged. Rendall said, “I have lots of students who have declined doing the news or being on air during a live event because of the fear of judgement.”
Students who attend his class have the opportunity to be on the school news as an anchor. This fear is something that many high school students have to deal with, which can cause a loss of opportunities throughout their time growing up. This fear hasn’t just been common throughout students now, but also in the past.
MHS alum, English teacher at MHS, and adviser of The Alltold school newspaper, Christie Buchmann said, “Adult me is embarrassed that I would ever care what anyone thought, but as a teenager, the thought of being seen as stupid or bad at something was agonizing. I wanted to try theater, marching band, and softball but was too worried about what people would say or think. With maturity and life experience I can see how foolish it sounds to admit this but I do not think I was much different than other students today.”
Rendall also recalled when he was a former student, “I was always afraid of what people thought of me as a student, so I am sure I made decisions that I wouldn't have made as an adult. I stopped playing basketball as a junior because of the difficulty I had, self-care, and fear of looking bad/stupid.”
A significant factor that contributes to insecurity in many young students is peer pressure. MHS Senior Eliza Paczkowski said, “I think peer pressure is one of the biggest issues when it comes to missing out on opportunities out of the fear of being judged. People become more worried about how someone else might look at them or think of them if they do something they don't like or don't agree with. If a person you envy or admire says you shouldn't do something even if you really want to, most people won't so they can appease this person.”
A survey conducted by The Alltold revealed that 73% of MHS students have missed out on opportunities due to fear of being judged. With so many students missing out on these important opportunities this can cause them to not be able to find their passion and they can miss out on job opportunities.
Buchmann offered this advice for struggling students, “challenge yourself to try one new thing at school each year. People aren’t watching like we think they are and most people will cheer you on. I realize it is easy to say and harder to do but I do not want anyone to have the regrets of not trying fun things like I do. If you need a cheerleader, come find me!”
Over 50% of students have been bullied throughout their time in school. This can have multiple negative effects for students, such as loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy. McKenzie Smith, a senior at MHS said, “If you are being bullied, it can be very scary, but find someone you trust, or even anonymously, and talk to them about what is happening. High school isn’t forever, no one will remember little embarrassing moments in 20 years. Do your best to enjoy your time and not let people who don’t enjoy theirs get to you.”
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