Dear M,
I'm feeling so unmotivated to finish out the school year. How can I make sure that I don't end up failing out before this year is over?? -Concerned Student Dear Concerned, Coming from a second semester senior, I understand your concern wholeheartedly, depicted above in a lovely diagram. Being so close to the end, instead of motivating you to make a final push, in reality is the final push that convinces you that you’ve worked far too hard first semester, and now deserve a break. So, this is, in turn, when you need to start thinking strategically. Motivate yourself by offering yourself rewards and visualizing what you’ll do with all your free time. Use your time very wisely: you know those 30 minutes you have at school in the morning before classes begin? Use it to take notes so that you can leave your heavy textbook at school. If you have a study hall, take advantage of it. This is also the time when you should start cracking out your review books if you’re in an AP Class, it provides all of the important information, but sizzled down to the basics. Don’t stop doing your homework, don’t stop studying for tests, because then you will end up with lower grades. Instead, just take a more laid-back approach. Put on some music, have yummy snacks and drinks at your disposal, anything that will motivate you a little bit more. I for one know, that when i put on the perfect musical playlist and make a cup of Chai tea, I can go on for hours. Lastly, pace yourself in relation to the breaks and holidays that await us. For example, in about a week and a half, we have a three day weekend! Then it’s practically Spring Break. Use these as motivation for giving-your-all in intervals. -M |
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Dear M,
Is there any way we can persuade our teachers to assign us less homework?
-Tired
Dear Tired,
I’ve tried every trick in the book, my friend. While it depends on the teacher, there is one argument that has never failed me. Teachers struggle to find an answer when you bring up one simple fact: adults have 8 hour work days, they come home, and they rest. Students? We have 8 hour work days, we come home, and we have 4 more hours of work. Excuse me, but in what universe is this fair? I have to play on both sides of the field though, homework sometimes really is necessary, but not in these insanely excessive amounts. Try explaining to your teacher that it is more effective to give less homework. Then, you do it to learn. When there is too much, you don’t have the time to donate your undivided attention to the topic and simply do it to get it done. Usually after noting this, teachers lighten up. Hope this helps!
-M
Dear M,
Report cards came out recently and my grades were not as good as my parents wanted them to be. They’re really upset. What can I do to prevent this in the future?
-Helpless
Dear Helpless,
While it may feel like the roof is collapsing and there’s no way to stop it, the situation isn’t as bad as it seems. First, I have to commend you on the fact that you’re searching for ways to improve. Most people tend to give up, but you’re still trying. So hang in there!
Anyway, the next task is to pinpoint what subjects you had problems with and why. Then, try searching for solutions to your problem subjects.
Do you feel like you need to review the material more? Stay after school with the teacher. You can even get worksheets online or watch videos. If you’re in an AP class and need to review, there’s always Crash Courses (video series on Youtube covering different AP class materials). Are you very tired during class and can’t focus? Get a little something to nibble on. This will force you to stay awake and give you energy to pay attention. Do you have trouble performing well on tests? Google some tips for controlling test anxiety like correct posture and breathing.
However, there is the extremely unfortunate possibility that you are stuck with a bad teacher who either hates you for no apparent reason or does not seem to realize that tests should cover what is learnt in class, not random subjects you’ve never seen in your life. In this case, talk to your parents first. Explain to them that it is not your fault and perhaps ask them for some advice or help. A lot of self study is required to succeed in classes like these. Try to look for patterns in the teacher’s tests and predict what subjects their tests will cover.
Lastly, just a reminder: your grades do not define who you are. If you have one class you’re not doing well in, the world really isn’t going to end. Try your best and don’t be too disappointed if not everything goes as planned (but if you try, you will see some results for sure). I wish you the best of luck!
-M
Report cards came out recently and my grades were not as good as my parents wanted them to be. They’re really upset. What can I do to prevent this in the future?
-Helpless
Dear Helpless,
While it may feel like the roof is collapsing and there’s no way to stop it, the situation isn’t as bad as it seems. First, I have to commend you on the fact that you’re searching for ways to improve. Most people tend to give up, but you’re still trying. So hang in there!
Anyway, the next task is to pinpoint what subjects you had problems with and why. Then, try searching for solutions to your problem subjects.
Do you feel like you need to review the material more? Stay after school with the teacher. You can even get worksheets online or watch videos. If you’re in an AP class and need to review, there’s always Crash Courses (video series on Youtube covering different AP class materials). Are you very tired during class and can’t focus? Get a little something to nibble on. This will force you to stay awake and give you energy to pay attention. Do you have trouble performing well on tests? Google some tips for controlling test anxiety like correct posture and breathing.
However, there is the extremely unfortunate possibility that you are stuck with a bad teacher who either hates you for no apparent reason or does not seem to realize that tests should cover what is learnt in class, not random subjects you’ve never seen in your life. In this case, talk to your parents first. Explain to them that it is not your fault and perhaps ask them for some advice or help. A lot of self study is required to succeed in classes like these. Try to look for patterns in the teacher’s tests and predict what subjects their tests will cover.
Lastly, just a reminder: your grades do not define who you are. If you have one class you’re not doing well in, the world really isn’t going to end. Try your best and don’t be too disappointed if not everything goes as planned (but if you try, you will see some results for sure). I wish you the best of luck!
-M
Dear M,
My best friend is moving away over summer vacation, and I’m stuck here without her. How am I gonna make it next year?
-Alone
Dear Alone,
Ouch! Saying goodbye to your best friend definitely stings...a lot.
It’s not exactly news: at a school like Maya, this kind of thing happens frequently. Weird as it may seem, this can be a good thing. It means that about one in every three people have been, or currently are, in your situation. So what does that mean? You’re not so alone after all! There are plenty of people around you who know exactly what you feel like right now. This is an excellent time to unite and stick together. Maybe while you were occupied with your best friend you didn’t take the time to notice the girl that sits behind you in math or the boy across from you in English. Just because you didn’t notice it doesn’t mean truly awesome friendships aren’t around you.
Another bonus: every year Maya is flooded with a tidal wave of new people who are in desperate search of new friends. Do them, and yourself, a favor and get to know them. The more you put yourself out there, the more friendships you can discover.
And great news: your friend isn’t about to fall off of the face of the earth. Skype with her at lunch or text her during transitions! Keep in contact, and it will feel like she never left in the first place.
For now, enjoy the time you two still have together.
-M
My best friend is moving away over summer vacation, and I’m stuck here without her. How am I gonna make it next year?
-Alone
Dear Alone,
Ouch! Saying goodbye to your best friend definitely stings...a lot.
It’s not exactly news: at a school like Maya, this kind of thing happens frequently. Weird as it may seem, this can be a good thing. It means that about one in every three people have been, or currently are, in your situation. So what does that mean? You’re not so alone after all! There are plenty of people around you who know exactly what you feel like right now. This is an excellent time to unite and stick together. Maybe while you were occupied with your best friend you didn’t take the time to notice the girl that sits behind you in math or the boy across from you in English. Just because you didn’t notice it doesn’t mean truly awesome friendships aren’t around you.
Another bonus: every year Maya is flooded with a tidal wave of new people who are in desperate search of new friends. Do them, and yourself, a favor and get to know them. The more you put yourself out there, the more friendships you can discover.
And great news: your friend isn’t about to fall off of the face of the earth. Skype with her at lunch or text her during transitions! Keep in contact, and it will feel like she never left in the first place.
For now, enjoy the time you two still have together.
-M
Dear M,
I have a sister and my parents and friends always compare me with her...I always try my best, but she always does better. I don't want to compete with my sister, but I’m frustrated because they always compare me with her!
-Second Place
Dear Second Place,
So many of us understand what you’re going through all too well. It’s rare that you’ll find a household in which siblings are not compared. First thing first: if it truly upsets you, let them know! Believe it or not, they might not even realize what they’re doing. I can’t speak for your friends, but making their son/daughter feel inadequate is every parent’s worst nightmare. Try this, and I’m sure you’ll notice a change. The next thing you need to do is stop comparing yourself to your sister. Who says she does ‘better’? Being different doesn’t make anyone better or worse; it’s just that...different. Accept and love who you are and who she is; if you’re happy with yourself, everything will fall into place. You’re amazing in your own special way, so embrace it!
-M
I have a sister and my parents and friends always compare me with her...I always try my best, but she always does better. I don't want to compete with my sister, but I’m frustrated because they always compare me with her!
-Second Place
Dear Second Place,
So many of us understand what you’re going through all too well. It’s rare that you’ll find a household in which siblings are not compared. First thing first: if it truly upsets you, let them know! Believe it or not, they might not even realize what they’re doing. I can’t speak for your friends, but making their son/daughter feel inadequate is every parent’s worst nightmare. Try this, and I’m sure you’ll notice a change. The next thing you need to do is stop comparing yourself to your sister. Who says she does ‘better’? Being different doesn’t make anyone better or worse; it’s just that...different. Accept and love who you are and who she is; if you’re happy with yourself, everything will fall into place. You’re amazing in your own special way, so embrace it!
-M
Dear M,
I like my best friend’s sister. HELP.
Dear Distressed,
Deep breaths. First, ask yourself why you are panicking. It’s normal to like other people, especially in this hormone filled time of our life! First, ask yourself this--are you going to act on your feelings, or is this simply a fleeting crush? If it’s the latter, you can only wait for the crush to pass. If it’s the first, my question is why are you worried? I would assume that your worry is that your best friend might be mad about this. If that is your worry, try testing the waters--subtly try to bring up dating your friend’s sister and gauge the reaction. If he seems okay, proceed to tell him about the fact that you like his sister. I don’t see why he would be extremely upset. He might be shocked, but that isn’t the same as anger. Lastly, believe in yourself!
-M
I like my best friend’s sister. HELP.
Dear Distressed,
Deep breaths. First, ask yourself why you are panicking. It’s normal to like other people, especially in this hormone filled time of our life! First, ask yourself this--are you going to act on your feelings, or is this simply a fleeting crush? If it’s the latter, you can only wait for the crush to pass. If it’s the first, my question is why are you worried? I would assume that your worry is that your best friend might be mad about this. If that is your worry, try testing the waters--subtly try to bring up dating your friend’s sister and gauge the reaction. If he seems okay, proceed to tell him about the fact that you like his sister. I don’t see why he would be extremely upset. He might be shocked, but that isn’t the same as anger. Lastly, believe in yourself!
-M