I’m feeling really hopeless right now. It seems like everyone has given up on me passing my classes.
Just the other day, my mom asked if I’d thrown in the towel on English. When I responded with “kind of,” she seemed okay with it, almost resigned to the fact that I might fail—something she knows bothers me. She’s aware I’ve been focused on improving my Biology grade, which has meant I couldn’t keep up with English.
I’m on a block schedule, but I have English every day, and I’ve been getting sick consistently, which has taken a toll on my grade and motivation. My English teacher has stopped checking my work altogether, or even seeing if I’ve completed it. Plus, he’s really hard to talk to. As for math, my dad is frustrated, even though I’m actually doing much better than I was last semester. I’m turning in all my assignments on time, but I messed up and forgot to finish a homework quiz, which dragged my grade back down to where it was last semester. Now my math teacher is suggesting I drop to a lower level, but that would complicate my whole schedule, and I really like him as a teacher.
In Art, my grades aren’t transferring properly, and I think I might be failing. Assignments are due the same night they’re assigned and counted as missing if not submitted, which makes it confusing to know what I truly need to finish. Plus, after a week, the assignments get locked, and I don’t always have the time to sift through everything. All of the assignments are graded out of 4 points, but the teacher never gives higher than a 3.7. There have only been four assignments graded, all landing me at a D+.
My dad is constantly upset about my grades and keeps saying, “You don’t have much time left,” referring to my math grade, even though he started saying this back in January. He’s even threatened to call the school daily until they intervene. But honestly, they can’t do anything; this is all on me for not keeping up with my classes. Now he’s even talking about pulling me out of school entirely? That kind of overreaction doesn’t help anything; it just adds to the stress. I’m not a child anymore; I see when something unrealistic is suggested.
I feel completely trapped and genuinely don’t know what I can do to fix this situation.
TL;DR:
I’m failing English and Art; barely holding on in Math; nobody’s offering real help; my mom’s accepted that I might fail; my dad wants to complain to the school (even though this is my responsibility); I feel like I’m running out of time.
I’m really sorry to hear that you’re feeling this way—it sounds incredibly overwhelming. Please know that it’s okay to feel frustrated and lost when things seem out of control. It sounds like you’re facing quite a few challenges all at once, which can make it hard to see a way forward.
First, it’s important to acknowledge that you’re doing your best given the circumstances. Getting sick often can really take a toll on both your health and your motivation, and it’s understandable that it would impact your schoolwork. Remember, you’re not alone in feeling stuck; many students face similar struggles, and it doesn’t mean you’re dumb or incapable.
Have you thought about reaching out to someone at school for support? Sometimes, talking to a counselor or a teacher about what you’re going through can help. They might have some strategies to help you catch up or manage your workload more effectively. If your English teacher is hard to talk to, consider asking for a brief meeting or an email to express your concerns and see if there’s any way to check in on your progress.
As for your dad, it’s clear that he cares about your success, even if his approach feels overwhelming. If you feel comfortable, it might help to have a calm conversation with him. Explain how his comments make you feel and maybe ask him to support you in a different way, like working together to find solutions rather than expressing frustration.
It may also be helpful to break down your tasks into small, manageable goals. Completing smaller assignments or sections of your work might help you regain some momentum. Celebrate small victories, and don’t hesitate to ask friends or classmates if they can help you catch up or study together.
Remember, it’s okay to ask for help, and taking things one step at a time can make a world of difference. You’ve got this, and there’s still time to turn things around!