<p>Interesteddad - I can always depend on you for calm, sage advice! </p>
<p>I took the very daring 'rent step to open a discussion of this topic with a group of her Swat friends who had stayed around for summer jobs or research. I was a bit hesitant since it seemed discussing the stress levels and, at times, impossible workload along with feelings of self doubt and/or inadequacy was taboo. </p>
<p>However, the students, including my D, seemed relieved to be able to unload and I believe each thought it was “only me”. I am hoping that bringing it out in the open (and seeing the relieve of her friends as well) and sharing info from here will help her through sophomore year and make it at least a bit less stressful.</p>
<p>Btw, when she finally “spilled” all of it to me and I asked her why she waited until the end of the school year to tell me, she replied she didn’t want to let me, our family and friends or anyone else down!</p>