To all the administrations of science high schools in the Philippines,

We students are not livestock to be put in a pressure cooker to be boiled. Your system—an increased number of subjects, grade requirements, and constant pressure from peers—is masked behind excellence and rigor. But when do we draw the line between good pressure, good stress, and a healthy environment where you can grow—and constant, insurmountable pressure, constant deadlines, and an environment where we're just trying to survive?

Look, I get it. Science high schools are not for the weak. It's designed for the “cream of the crop,” the hardworking students, or the naturally smart who don't have to increase their effort to pass. I was once like that too. And yes, I was able to adjust like many of my peers. But it came to a point where I was burnt out from schoolworks.

I was able to adapt, but at what cost? Constant mental breakdowns, the feeling that you'll never be good enough in the eyes of my teachers, and tanking grades?

Some might say that I'm just overreacting. But it's not just me. Many of my friends—some of which have even left their science high schools—described their stay there as suffocating. And I'm sure that there are many more students who feel the same way as me. And you really have to take a look at your system today—is it fostering excellence, innovation, and honor—or is it slowly draining the motivation and innovation, mental health, and well-being of your students?

I am not discouraging aspiring students to study and pursue a science high school, because it does have its benefits, like for your college entrance exams. However, there comes a point where many students will eventually be cooked under all the pressure, schoolworks, and stress in the pressure cooker environment that science high schools offer.

Please, let our mental health be considered. Let adaptability not come with the decrease of mental health and the increase of pressure, and let it come with true innovation.

Sincerely,

Deal/Breaker

The Frontman