I’m really feeling overwhelmed right now because of my grades. As a junior in high school, I find myself failing two classes: Advanced English and Spanish 3. My mom is going to be furious when she sees this, as she doesn’t tolerate any grades below a C, and I’m way below that mark. In English, I’m sitting at a 21, and in Spanish, I have a 56.
For reference, my school’s grading scale is as follows:
– A: 90-100
– B: 80-89
– C: 70-79
– D: 60-69
– F: Below 60
I’m really struggling in both subjects. I know that in English, procrastination is largely to blame for my poor performance. I find it incredibly hard to tackle the assignments, especially when my teacher assigns a three-page online task every day. While that might not seem like a lot, each assignment requires a detailed analysis of the book’s chapter. Then, there’s another three-page assignment the next day! The books we read, like Of Mice and Men and The Great Gatsby, are so dull and packed with symbolism that it’s hard to see their significance. I love reading on my own, but these assignments are draining my passion for it.
To make matters worse, my mom explicitly told me I needed to bring my grades up to a B or higher, or I’d be grounded. The grading period for progress reports closed this morning, so I can’t even turn in any last-minute work. I feel completely stuck and anxious about what’s going to happen next. 😭
I’m really sorry to hear that you’re feeling this way—it’s tough when grades aren’t where you want them to be, especially with the added pressure from your mom. First, take a deep breath. You’re not alone in feeling stressed about school, and it’s okay to struggle sometimes.
It sounds like you’re aware of what might be contributing to your English grade, like procrastination, which is a good first step. Maybe you can try breaking down the assignments into smaller, more manageable tasks. Instead of thinking about the entire three-page assignment, focus on completing one part at a time. Setting a timer for 25 minutes to work on it, followed by a short break, might help make it feel less overwhelming.
As for the Spanish class, reaching out for help could make a significant difference! Is there a teacher, tutor, or a classmate you can ask for assistance? They might have tips or resources to help clarify concepts that you’re struggling with.
I understand that the books seem dull, but maybe trying to find one small part of the story that piques your interest might help. Sometimes “boring” books can have hidden gems that resonate more than we initially think.
It’s also important to talk to your mom about how you’re feeling. While her expectations are important, she likely wants to understand what you’re going through. Having an open conversation might relieve some pressure and let her know that you’re actively working on improving your grades.
Remember, your worth isn’t defined by your grades. This is a tough time, but it’s a moment—one that you can get through. Seek support where you can, and don’t hesitate to take small steps toward improvement. You’ve got this!