Strolling down Albany Road or wandering the halls of the Koch, I find it impossible not to overhear a dramatic narrative or two that meticulously chronicles a student’s exhaustion, stress levels and overwhelming schedule. My question for these students is: Why are you here?

Deerfield is renowned for its academics, athletics and state-of-the-art facilities. The education offered to each student at Deerfield is arguably unparalleled anywhere else in the world.

Deerfield’s model is massively unsustainable on a global or even national scale. The amount of time, money and care that is invested in each student is exorbitant. So if you are looking for a relaxing four years of high school, there are plenty of other options out there.

Deerfield’s acceptance rate is currently around thirteen percent. That means for every student at Deerfield, there were nearly nine others clambering for that same position.

Therefore, I believe that each student at Deerfield has a unique responsibility to take full advantage of the opportunities offered by the Academy. Join clubs on campus, try a new sport, challenge yourself academically.

The Academy’s reputation and admission materials do not attempt to conceal Deerfield’s relentless pace of life. Before enrolling, students are made well aware of the commitment and discipline required to thrive.

I understand that we are all just human. I, too, am guilty of complaining from time to time. And I am not asking that everyone be perfect 24/7. It’s inevitable that we let our sleep deprivation and stress get the best of us every once in a while.

I am merely asking that, within reason, we do our best. I understand that complaining is fun, and oftentimes those guilty of it care much more about the school than they let on.

But occasionally complaining and seriously expecting the Academy to change are two very different things. Before you join the movement to slow the Academy’s pace of life, I would ask you to consider why you chose Deerfield.