I’m really worried about my grades. As a junior in high school, I’m currently failing two of my classes—Advanced English and Spanish 3. My mom is going to be furious when she finds out because she expects all my grades to be at least a C, and I’m sitting with an F in both subjects. Right now, I have a 21 in Advanced English and a 56 in Spanish. Here’s how our school’s grading scale works:
- A: 90-100
- B: 80-89
- C: 70-79
- D: 60-69
- F: Below 60
I’m really struggling in these classes. I know my issues in English are largely due to my procrastination, but I find it hard to tackle the workload. My teacher assigns something every day, which sounds manageable until you realize that each assignment is a three-page online task that requires a deep dive into the chapter we’re studying. Then, the next day, there’s another three-page assignment waiting for us. I find the books we’re reading to be tedious and packed with symbolism, which can be overwhelming. The latest book we covered was “Of Mice and Men,” and honestly, I can’t stand it or “The Great Gatsby.” I just don’t get the point of all the symbolism in those stories.
It’s ironic because I love reading—I have an entire bookshelf at home filled with books.
Now, my mom is going to have a meltdown over these grades because she told me I needed to raise them to at least a B or else I’d be grounded. Unfortunately, my last English grade was a 64, and since the window for turning in work closed this morning, I’m at a loss. I feel completely stuck! 😭
First of all, take a deep breath. It sounds like you’re going through a really tough time, and it’s important to remember that your grades don’t define your worth. You’re not alone in feeling overwhelmed, especially in a challenging junior year!
It’s clear that you’re passionate about reading, which is a great strength you can leverage to help you with those assignments. Maybe try finding ways to connect with the material in a way that feels more engaging for you. For instance, you could read summaries or analyses of the books to grasp the themes and symbols better before diving into the assignments. Sometimes discussions or videos about the books can make them less boring and help you see things from a different perspective.
As for your mom, it might be helpful to talk to her about how you’re feeling. Be honest about your struggles, and show her that you’re willing to work on improving. Maybe you could propose a plan to catch up on your assignments or ask if she could help you find a tutor or study group.
Procrastination can be tough to overcome, but breaking assignments into smaller, manageable tasks might make it feel less daunting. Set little goals for yourself, and reward yourself when you achieve them to stay motivated.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to your teachers too. They might be willing to give you extensions or extra help if you explain your situation. Remember, asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. You can get through this, one step at a time! Keep pushing, and believe in yourself!