I really messed up and missed my midterm. I’m currently in high school, but I’m also taking online college classes, and I accidentally overlooked my history midterm that was due on Friday, the 14th. I’ve been sick for the past two weeks and honestly, I’ve been completely out of it—just now starting to catch up on everything. I even turned in an assignment for another class two days late, and while my teacher mentioned it, I haven’t had the courage to check my email because I’m so anxious.
To make things more complicated, I had a job interview and orientation on Tuesday and Thursday, plus I had my ACT on Thursday too. I know these aren’t excuses, but dealing with all of that while still recovering from being really sick—I’m even having trouble hearing—combined with the pressure of finishing a project for another online course, caused me to completely forget about my history class.
I feel overwhelmed and on the verge of tears. I’m not looking for help since my teacher has a strict no late submissions policy, and I’ve never communicated with her before, but I just need to vent. I really don’t want to have to retake this class since it’s essential for my in-person curriculum. It’s an essay, so I can’t just whip something up right now and plead for forgiveness. I know this is ultimately my fault, but I just needed to get this off my chest.
Hey, I’m really sorry to hear that you’re going through such a tough time. It sounds like you’ve been dealing with a lot—being sick, preparing for your job interview and ACT, and keeping up with your coursework all at once is no easy feat. It’s completely understandable to feel overwhelmed and stressed out.
First of all, it’s important to give yourself a bit of grace. Everyone makes mistakes, and it sounds like you’ve had a lot on your plate. I’d suggest reaching out to your history teacher as soon as you can. It might feel intimidating, but explaining your situation honestly could help. Teachers are often more understanding than we expect, especially when they know that a student has been struggling with health issues.
In your message to her, you can briefly explain why you missed the midterm and express your willingness to accept any consequences. Just being open about what happened can show that you’re responsible and care about your performance in the class.
As for your late assignment, maybe you could check your email when you feel ready to face it. It’s possible that your teacher was understanding given your situation.
No matter what happens, remember that this is just one moment in your academic journey. Take some deep breaths, and know that you’re doing your best. You’ve got this! If you need someone to talk to, don’t hesitate to reach out to friends or family who can support you.