High school is a unique stage in development, to say the least. Living through it in the modern digital age adds another layer of intensity to their experience. Between standardized tests and social media, it's clear that most students are drowning in pressure and perfectionism. 

At their core, high school students are motivated by the same longings that all human beings are motivated by from birth until death: 

     How can I survive?
     Where can I be accepted? 
     How can I love and be loved?  
     Where do I belong?

Either consciously or unconsciously, each person answers those questions in their own way. With a loving, non-judgemental lens, we can take a look at some of the common solutions that high schoolers choose. To find connection, some students build friendship based around drugs and alcohol, some turn to promiscuity to get their social needs met, and some take the more agreeable route of getting straight As and getting into college. Makeup, beauty, and brand-name clothes are undeniably important to social acceptance inside and outside of school. Making art or music, playing sports or video games, and getting involved in the school play are all social expressions at their root. Some students find their place of belonging through disassociation, isolation, bullying, violence, or self-harm. None of these solutions are mutually exclusive, and there are many more unlisted. Regardless of their outlet, every student should be viewed with compassion and humanity.

As we mature, we may learn to place a greater significance on our relationships with ourselves and our higher power, relying less on outside sources of validation, but the fact remains that social belonging is still important and motivating at every age.