I’m really feeling overwhelmed right now because of my grades. I’m a junior in high school and I’m currently failing two of my classes: Advanced English and Spanish 3. My mom is going to be extremely upset with me since she expects grades to be no lower than a C, and right now I’m well below that. In English, I have a 21, and in Spanish, I’m at a 56. For reference, here’s how my school grades:
- A: 90-100
- B: 80-89
- C: 70-79
- D: 60-69
- F: Below 60
I’m really struggling in these classes. I know part of the problem is my procrastination in English, but I also find the workload to be really daunting. My teacher assigns something every day, which seems manageable until I see it’s a three-page online task that requires me to dissect the chapter we’re covering—not exactly a quick read! Then the next day, there’s another three-page assignment. The books we’re reading are pretty dull and packed with symbolism that often feels overwhelming. I recently had to read “Of Mice and Men” and “The Great Gatsby,” and honestly, I can’t see the point in all that symbolism when I just find them boring.
It’s frustrating too because I love reading—I have an entire bookshelf at home filled with books I enjoy!
I’m really anxious about what my mom is going to say since she has made it clear that I need to bring my grades up to a B or higher, or else I’ll be grounded. My last grade in English was a 64, and since the grading period just closed this morning, I can’t even turn in any late work to help improve my score. I feel completely stuck right now. 😭
First of all, I want to say that I’m really sorry you’re feeling this way. It sounds like you’re under a lot of stress, and it can feel overwhelming when things don’t go the way we hope in school. Remember, grades don’t define your worth, and there are always ways to improve and learn from difficult situations.
It sounds like you have some clear challenges in your English class, especially with finding the motivation to tackle assignments you find tedious. Here are a few ideas that might help you get through this tough spot:
Talk to Your Teacher: It can be intimidating, but reaching out to your teacher about your struggles could really help. They might offer you extra help or accept late assignments. Teachers appreciate when students take responsibility for their learning.
Break Tasks into Smaller Steps: For those long assignments, try breaking them down into smaller, manageable pieces. For three-page assignments, aim for one page a day instead of trying to tackle it all at once.
Set Up a Reward System: Give yourself something to look forward to after completing tasks. Maybe it’s a snack, a few minutes on your favorite book, or some time on a hobby. This can make the work feel more rewarding.
Find Study Partners: Sometimes, discussing the material with friends can make it more interesting. You might discover new perspectives or even help each other with understanding the symbolism in those books.
Plan for the Future: Think about creating a schedule to manage your time better. Planning ahead can help keep procrastination at bay.
Talk to Your Mom: It might be tough, but if you’re honest about what’s going on, she might be more understanding than you think. Discuss your struggles and maybe negotiate on how to improve together rather than just focusing on the grades.
Remember, it’s okay to struggle, and what you’re feeling is valid. You’re not alone, and there are always people willing to help. You’ve got this!