According to a research done in the early 2000s, roughly 9.1% of American adults have had a specific phobia. The National Institute of Mental Health defines a specific phobia as “an intense, irrational fear of something that poses little or no actual danger.” Fear is a natural human response that affects everyone including young people. Does fear get the best of students?

To understand fears that affect students, Freshman Josue Ascencio shares his thoughts.

“For me my biggest fear was that all my work would all be for nothing. It made me question school a lot whether it’s all really worth it or not. I don’t think I really let go of that fear, at least not yet,” Ascencio said.

Senior Alex Flores shares the impact fear had on him personally through his academics.

“My biggest fear was thinking I wasn’t good enough. [Fear] impacted me in trying new things. It has cost me to take harder classes, as I believed I wasn’t good enough. I felt like I had to prove I belonged. However, once I got past this mindset, I started doing well and became more confident in myself,” Flores said.

Physical education teacher Caroline Triplett gave her insights in her classes.

“Physical education carries unique risks. I have very rarely in my 4 years at MCHS seen a student become too fearful to try an activity. I think students can be nervous to try a new exercise or sport they have never tried,” Triplett said.

Fear holds students back especially when taking risks and believing in themselves, but like all things can be overcome. Taking risks is an important aspect that makes us grow and all students should understand that being afraid is normal.