Lilia McCann is a journalism freshman and rotational opinion columnist for Mustang News. The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of Mustang Media Group.
Cal Poly is known for its hands-on learning, rigorous academics, and vibrant social scene. But for many students, especially freshmen, the pressure to excel in every aspect of college life can be overwhelming.
The expectation to maintain high grades, be involved in extracurriculars, stay physically active and have an exciting social life creates a culture where students push themselves to the limit. But is this drive beneficial, or does it lead to burnout?
The Freshman Perspective: Balancing It All
For many first-year students, the transition to college is an incredible challenge. On top of academic responsibilities, there’s a strong social culture that encourages students to make the most of their time outside the classroom, especially with the abundance of activities Cal Poly provides.
Many freshmen feel the pressure to participate in everything: late-night study sessions, clubs, gym sessions, parties and hikes, all while trying to secure a competitive edge in their future careers. Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but …..
Ashlan Gee, an economics freshman, exemplifies this high-achieving mindset. She’s involved in multiple organizations, including Chabad, Women in Business and Economics Society. On top of that, she swims and goes to the gym daily, plays pickleball, goes out, tutors and will always find time to play “Piano Man” on the harmonica.
“There’s this constant pressure to do everything. Having good grades, being involved, working out, and still have a social life,” Gee said. “It’s a lot to juggle, and sometimes it feels like if you’re not doing all of it, and all of it well, you’re falling behind.”
Gee’s experience highlights the balancing act that many Cal Poly students navigate. The desire to be successful academically and socially creates an environment where downtime feels like a luxury few can afford.
The Benefits of a High-Achieving Culture
The ambition-driven environment at Cal Poly does have its advantages. Most obviously, students leave with a strong work ethic, well-rounded resumes, and valuable connections.
According to Cal Poly SLO career services, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo boasts a high employment rate among its graduates, with 91% employed or pursuing a higher education. This is significantly higher than average, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, proving that many thrive in this setting, feeding off the energy of like-minded peers who push each other to be better.
I think the culture here prepares students really well for the real world, and the learn-by-doing approach teaches resilience and problem-solving skills that will benefit students in their careers. The drive to succeed often leads to impressive student-led initiatives, networking opportunities and a sense of pride in achievements. For many, including myself, the challenge is more invigorating than draining.
The Hidden Costs: Stress and Burnout
However, there’s a downside to this relentless pursuit of excellence.
Mental health professionals note that students often struggle with stress, anxiety, and burnout as they try to meet high expectations in all aspects of their lives. According to the Journal of Higher Education, involvement and flexibility are dominant determinants of students’ burnout. The strongest predictors of students’ commitment are a sense of accomplishment, involvement, and student-faculty contact.
In short, students who don’t feel accomplished or involved enough suffer from perceived incompetence while those who do are more likely to face burnout.
Claire Duffy, a first-year political science student, shares this sentiment. She juggles demanding coursework, being in a sorority and participating in multiple clubs on campus.
“Some days, it feels like there’s no time to just breathe,” Lopez said. “I love being involved, but there are moments when I wonder if I’m stretching myself too thin. It’s hard to step back when everyone around you seems to be doing so much.”
Duffy’s experience reinforces the idea that while ambition can be rewarding, it also requires careful management to prevent burnout.
I see students who are constantly comparing themselves to their peers, feeling like they’re not doing enough, even when they’re overloaded. It’s important to recognize that rest and balance are just as valuable as achievement. I have felt these overwhelming and contradicting emotions many times and know it can lead to a downward spiral so quickly.
The culture of comparison whether through social media or direct interactions, further amplifies the pressure. Seeing peers manage multiple commitments can create the illusion that everyone else is handling it effortlessly, leading to feelings of inadequacy.
In a study done though Cornell University on the comparison of under and overachieving college students, researchers found that “Academic drive thus seems to differentiate the overachiever from the underachiever.” Essentially, the latter tends to become easily discouraged when confronted with difficult assignments and only makes the minimum effort required to get a passing grade.
Finding a Healthy Balance
So how can students navigate this high-achieving culture without sacrificing their well-being? I suggest setting boundaries, prioritizing mental health and focusing on individual goals rather than external expectations.
I think students should take a step back and ask themselves what really matters to them. At the end of the day, unfortunately, I think this high-achieving culture can be damaging for students if not handled correctly. It’s okay to say no to certain commitments and make time for rest. Success isn’t just about how much you can fit into your schedule, it’s about sustainability.
For Gee, maintaining balance is a work in progress. “I’m trying to be more mindful about what I commit to,” she said. “It’s about finding that sweet spot where you’re still pushing yourself but not at the expense of your well-being.”
As freshmen continue to adjust to Cal Poly’s fast-paced environment, the key may lie in redefining success, not just by achievements, but by overall well-being. After all, thriving in college shouldn’t mean burning out before graduation.