Eli is 12 and loves video games. He plays every day—sometimes for hours. It started out as fun, but lately, he’s been skipping homework, ignoring messages from friends, and staying up way too late. His parents are worried. His grades are slipping. Even Eli knows he feels tired and irritable all the time—but when he tries to take a break, he just ends up back at the screen. It’s the one place where he feels in control. Where he’s good at something. But at what cost?
From Gaming to Learning
Jordan is 13 and loves playing strategy and simulation games. Games like Civilization and Assassin’s Creed have sparked his interest in history more than any textbook ever has. He even started researching real events and cultures after playing. But when Jordan tells his teacher he learned something from a game, she frowns. "Games aren’t real education,” she says. “You need to focus on more reliable sources.” Jordan’s confused. He knows games aren’t always 100% accurate—but they made him care about learning in a way school never did. He starts to wonder: Is it wrong to trust what he learns from a game? Should he stop relying on them, even if they inspire him?
Ava's Injury
Ava is a senior soccer player with college scouts coming to watch her playoff game. But her knee has been hurting for weeks, and it’s only getting worse. Her coach says they need her, and she doesn’t want to let the team—or her future—down. But if she keeps playing, she might make the injury worse, possibly permanently.
Maya's Many-Meter Mystery
Maya is a 16-year-old junior and a standout track athlete. She loves running the 400-meter sprint—it’s where she feels most alive. But her coach insists she focus on the 800-meter instead, where she’s also strong and could help the team win more meets. Her college advisor, meanwhile, has a different angle: “You should concentrate on academics if you want a shot at Ivy League schools. Sports are great, but you need to take AP Chem next semester, not double up on training blocks.” Maya feels pulled in three directions. She wants to sprint. Her coach wants her to train for distance. Her advisor wants her in the classroom. Everyone means well, but they each have their own definition of what’s “best” for her future. The sign-up form for next season’s events and courses is due tomorrow. Maya’s holding the pen—and the pressure.
The Pressure of Choosing a Major
Emily, a high school senior, feels overwhelmed by the pressure to choose a college major while most of her friends seem certain about their futures. She enjoys various activities but lacks a passion for any specific subject, leaving her unsure of what career path to pursue. Her parents encourage her to pick a practical major like business or computer science, while her counselor suggests a gap year, an idea her parents oppose. Emily feels torn between choosing a "safe" major, taking a risk on something she might enjoy, or delaying her decision altogether, fearing that making the wrong choice could impact her future.
Should I Stay or Should I Go?
Maria, a 19-year-old sophomore and the first in her family to attend college, feels overwhelmed by academic pressure, financial strain, and uncertainty about her future. She’s considering dropping out or taking a year off to work and explore career options but fears disappointing her family, especially her proud mom. Though she’s seen others online benefit from taking time off, Maria worries about never returning to school or falling behind her peers. Caught between staying in school and risking burnout or taking a break and facing uncertainty, Maria feels torn about her next step. Should she stay in college or take a year off?