High School Pressure

High school is the period of one’s life to discover a sense of individuality. During these four years students are expected to organize imperative, future aspirations such as college and career choices. In addition to the frequent concerns of failure and disappointment, high school can also be socially brutal. Even though teenagers are desperately attempting to “find themselves,” conformity is inevitable. The fear of not “fitting in” to a certain group or clique can significantly hinder a person’s ability to express themselves. “Jocks,” “stoners,” “popular kids,” “exemplary students,” and “cheerleaders” are just five examples of stereotypical cliques throughout high school. Certain students are even pressured to accept the expectations of a particular group due to their ethnicity or socioeconomic status. Through these photographs I aim to artistically depict caricatures of high school stereotypes and shed light on the pressure to conform while trying to achieve an understanding of one’s self.