My Story | Short Story Sunday
Real Stories. Real Choices. No Perfect Endings.
An 89 on a difficult test should feel like an accomplishment.
But what happens when a teenager has gotten so used to high expectations that anything less than perfect feels like something he has to explain?
This week’s My Story explores academic pressure, family expectations, and what can happen when encouragement starts feeling heavier than intended.
Think About It
- When does encouragement start to feel like pressure?
- Was the narrator’s dad wrong to expect more from him, or was the problem how he communicated it?
- Why do you think the narrator repeated some of that pressure with his younger sister?
- If you were in his position, would you have said something at dinner or handled it differently?
- Can high expectations be helpful and harmful at the same time?
My Story Journal Reflection
1. What part of this story stayed with you the most, and why do you think it affected you?
2. If you were living this story, what would you be thinking, feeling, or considering that you might not say out loud?
3. What would you do next, and what could happen because of that choice?
About My Story
My Story is a Three J Youth storytelling series built around situations young people may recognize from their own lives. Friendships. Family. School. Pressure. Mistakes. Relationships. Expectations. Social media. Growing up.
The stories are designed to encourage young people to think, reflect, and talk without always telling them who was right or what should happen next.
Real Stories. Real Choices. No Perfect Endings.
About Three J Youth
Three J Youth is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization supporting young people through mentorship, education, wellness, leadership development, supportive relationships, and experiences that expand future possibilities.
Empowering Youth. Building Leaders. Strengthening Communities.
