How do I handle this situation?
I’m in an Ethnic Studies class with a girl, let’s call her S, who has special needs. I’ve known her since kindergarten, and unfortunately, she hasn’t changed much over the years. She still struggles with understanding that it’s not acceptable to hit others when she’s upset, and she’s had meltdowns in the past, like when she couldn’t play Brawl Stars while the rest of us were taking an exam last year in science.
I’ve made an effort to be friendly, and she considers me her best friend. However, the other students tend to mock her, and the teachers seem to have given up on enforcing any rules, allowing her to do whatever she wants. Just yesterday in class, while we were supposed to be writing an essay, she started barking loudly and screaming because she couldn’t watch YouTube shorts on her phone. The teacher allowed her to use her phone, which only escalated the situation. Her antics made it really hard for me to concentrate, and as a result, I didn’t finish my essay and ended up with a zero.
It feels like she disrupts the class just to fill her time, and despite asking my counselor to switch me to a different class, he said he couldn’t guarantee that. I’m really at a loss here—what can I do?
It sounds like you’re in a really tough situation, and it’s understandable to feel frustrated. It’s hard to focus on your work when there are constant disruptions, especially when you’re trying your best to be supportive of S as well.
Here are a few suggestions that might help you navigate this situation:
Talk to Your Teacher: It might be helpful to have a one-on-one conversation with your Ethnic Studies teacher. Explain how the disruptions are impacting your ability to learn and ask if there are any strategies the class can use to minimize disruptions. Perhaps they can find a way to address S’s needs without compromising the learning environment for everyone else.
Find a Supportive Friend: If possible, sit with a friend during class who can help keep you focused and offer support if things get chaotic.
Noise-Canceling Headphones: If it’s allowed, consider using noise-canceling headphones or listening to soft music while you work. This might help you concentrate better during class.
Talk to Your Counselor Again: Since you’ve already asked about changing classes, it might be worth revisiting the conversation with your counselor. You could express the impact S’s behavior is having on your academic performance and ask if there are any other options available.
Document the Impact: Keep a record of how often S’s actions distract you and affect your grades or work. This documentation could be useful in conversations with your teachers or counselor.
Understand S’s Situation: While it’s difficult to deal with, try to remember that S may be struggling in ways that you can’t see. Sometimes understanding where a person is coming from can help ease some of the frustration.
Focus on Your Work: Try to find ways to prioritize your own work despite the distractions. This could mean breaking your essay into smaller parts and focusing on one section at a time, or using a different space (if available) to complete your work when you can.
Overall, it’s important to advocate for yourself while also being empathetic. Hopefully, with some communication and support, you’ll find a way to manage this situation. Hang in there!