from school to further education and work can deal with stress.

`Even though many adults try to act as if they are, nobody is perfect. Part of the process of maturing is making mistakes -- lots of them -- and learning from the experience of travelling down the wrong road.' It's school leaving time and everyone seems to be waiting for you to make those important decisions about your future. Are you finding that you... CAN'T TAKE THE PRESSURE? Only Peter Pan, living in Neverneverland, will remain forever young. The rest of us, however, live in the real world where the process of change, of growing up and of getting older, starts from the day we are born and continues until the end of our lives.

Sometimes that change occurs so slowly that we hardly notice it. But, there are also times when the aspects of our life seem to be changing all at once, and, when these are added to our everyday problems, we feel out of control and stressed to the max.

Graduation is one of the occasions when big changes occur in a short period of time. At this time, many students feel overwhelmed with the pressure of exams and decisions about their future.

They may also feel sad about leaving friends and family behind as they move to a new stage of life. Well-meaning parents, teachers, and friends all add to these problems with their questions and expectations.

If you are among the many young people who are struggling to cope with all of the pressures and stress which comes in the last few years of senior school, here are some suggestions may help you. They will work equally as well in any situation when you feel you just can't take the pressure: 1. Accept the fact that change is going to occur, whether you like it or not The good news is that change is often a signal that tells us there are going to be some good times ahead. Would you prefer to stay in school forever, wearing the same uniforms day after day, or do you want to wear your own clothes at college or in your first career? 2. There is always a price to be paid for the good times and good things we want to have in our lives, and it usually includes a period of discomfort, stress and inconvenience. Life may not be easy but it is always full of adventure.

3. You may also find that some of the decisions you are making today about your future may not work out. That's OK.

4. Lighten up! Life is long and you are young. There are plenty of paths you can take toward a successful future and you have lots of time to explore them.

Taking a small trip in any direction is better than staying in place, stuck in the muck of indecision.

5. The secret to coping with stress is balance. The popular thought that if you work hard, you should play hard, is poor advice. Instead, at those times when you feel tense and overwhelmed with school work, career decisions, problems with friendships, your relationship with your family, getting good grades, and trying to make the right decisions about your future, try to find ways to relax.

Make sure that you fit in an occasional walk, swim, ride on a pedal bike, time to listen to music, to get away from the crowds and to be alone.

Try to get lots of sleep and eat the foods that keep you healthy. Stick with good friends who will stick with you and find an adult to talk to if your problems become overwhelming.

Anne Mello will be presenting a seminar on stress management and maintaining a balance in your life at the Career Expo. See the schedule for the time and place.

CedarBridge Academy, site of the Bermuda National Career Expo is located next to Police Headquarters at Prospect, opposite the National Stadium. There is a one-way drive system around the school, with parking designated for parents and students, dignitaries and exhibitors/presenters. Overflow parking will be directed to the football field across from National Stadium and the Police Field. Army Cadets and Police Volunteers will be offering traffic direction and parking assistance.