At Las Vegas Academy of the Arts, while most students don’t respond to others with “I’m busy” when asked how they are, students would say they are stressed, tired, or overwhelmed, which come up frequently. Being busy has almost become a personality trait at LVA, something students bond over and even take pride in. But the important question: is being this overworked actually hurting our creativity?

For many students, the answer is yes. Orlando Garcia, a theater major at LVA, believes stress has a direct impact on performance. Just being stressed and overwhelmed doesn’t put you in the right mindset to think correctly, or have the ability to think more creatively,” Garcia said. His experience reflects what many Las Vegas Academy students feel regarding this topic.  

As an arts-focused school, LVA is built on creativity, yet the pressure to constantly perform can make it harder for students to create their best work. Long days and packed schedules leave little time to reset or rest. Ashlyn Harper, a 3d major at LVA, explains that being overworked especially affects creativity-based classes, where projects require time and mental energy outside of school hours. She often has to go home and focus on getting all her work done before she can finally engage with her other curricular activities. “I go home and get everything done,” said Harper.”

While being busy is common at Las Vegas Academy, it shouldn’t be the single defining characteristic of its students. Dedication and passion are important, but balance matters just as much. If students are given time to breathe and use their creativity, they can actually thrive. At a school centered on the arts, taking care of students should be a part of the culture.