by Reade Fenner ‘22

American culture values hard work and dedication to one’s profession, but at what cost? The pressure put on Americans to succeed leads them to prioritize their jobs over their health. Employees, fearful of having to make up work they miss, come to work even when ill, a practice also present to the schools. Students need to conquer the pressure to attend school even when feeling very sick and stay home when necessary.

Many students choose to go to school when sick because they dread make-up work. However, schools throughout America were virtual last year, and many teachers continue posting lessons and classwork online each day following the return to in-person education, making it easier than ever for students to catch up on work. As the pandemic persists, it’s crucial for students to stay home to prevent the spread of illness. It’s not worth coming to school sick, unsure of whether or not you have the coronavirus and risking the health of your peers in an effort to avoid falling behind. Attending school while sick can also not only damage your physical health, but your mental health. Spending class after class in misery takes a toll and may cause you to face issues such as academic burnout. It’s far more reasonable to let yourself rest and face your schoolwork when you are healthy again.