6 answers
sophia
Student
Lowell, Massachusetts
4
Questions
Updated
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Help with School Struggles?
Hi. I'm a 14-year-old in high school and I've been struggling a lot. I've got a history of truancy and most of my grades aren't great. Sometimes it feels like I'm the only one dealing with this and that it's going to hold me back forever. Has anyone else been through something similar? Any advice on how to handle this and get through school?
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6 answers
Alyssa Rodriguez, RLAT
3
Answers
Updated
Alyssa’s Answer
Hi Sophia!
Let me start by saying I am a high school drop out. I dropped out at 15. I know a lot of “normal” people can’t understand how that can ever be seen as an option. I had truancy problems as well, and when my family was evicted from our apartment that was the final straw and I couldn’t do it anymore. No one understood or genuinely cared to understand what was going on in my personal life and try to help.
I’ll save you the rest of the sob story on all that, but looking back I do regret not finishing. When you see all your classmates in their caps and gowns, it hurts so deeply. There will come a time where someone is going to say “oh well everyone graduates high school, that doesn’t mean anything,” and it’ll mean a lot to you if you don’t have it.
Most importantly, I’m 25 now and I’m finally in a good career and doing better, but I’ve had to work 10 times harder to get here because I started by putting myself behind everyone else.
I’m not going to give you the advice the “normal” people might and tell you to talk to a counselor, or to look deeply for a reason why this is happening. I’m just going to let you know every choice we make has consequences, and when we’re young we see the best outcome and don’t consider what could happen if we can’t follow through with that path.
All you have to do is get through it, I know it’s hard. I know it seems so ridiculous and unimportant at times, but don’t discredit yourself this early. It’s going to get better.
P.S. if it doesn’t get better, and you do what I did, I believe you have it in you to overcome, you’re already seeking out solutions and that will benefit you for years to come. Good luck.
Look up how many jobs require a high school diploma
Look up GED test information
Think about how cool it will be to throw your graduation cap
Look up statistics about high school dropouts
Reach out if I can help you in any way ❤️
Let me start by saying I am a high school drop out. I dropped out at 15. I know a lot of “normal” people can’t understand how that can ever be seen as an option. I had truancy problems as well, and when my family was evicted from our apartment that was the final straw and I couldn’t do it anymore. No one understood or genuinely cared to understand what was going on in my personal life and try to help.
I’ll save you the rest of the sob story on all that, but looking back I do regret not finishing. When you see all your classmates in their caps and gowns, it hurts so deeply. There will come a time where someone is going to say “oh well everyone graduates high school, that doesn’t mean anything,” and it’ll mean a lot to you if you don’t have it.
Most importantly, I’m 25 now and I’m finally in a good career and doing better, but I’ve had to work 10 times harder to get here because I started by putting myself behind everyone else.
I’m not going to give you the advice the “normal” people might and tell you to talk to a counselor, or to look deeply for a reason why this is happening. I’m just going to let you know every choice we make has consequences, and when we’re young we see the best outcome and don’t consider what could happen if we can’t follow through with that path.
All you have to do is get through it, I know it’s hard. I know it seems so ridiculous and unimportant at times, but don’t discredit yourself this early. It’s going to get better.
P.S. if it doesn’t get better, and you do what I did, I believe you have it in you to overcome, you’re already seeking out solutions and that will benefit you for years to come. Good luck.
Alyssa recommends the following next steps:
Hi Alyssa; thank you so much for sharing your story! Did you end up getting your GED later in life and did it help?
Gurpreet Lally, Admin
Hi Gurpreet! I did end up getting my GED, and even moved on to some technical certifications! I’m now enrolled in college as well! Thanks for the question!
-Alyssa
Alyssa Rodriguez, RLAT
Congrats on your college enrollment!
Gurpreet Lally, Admin
Karin P.
Lecturer
375
Answers
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Sophia,
Thank you for reaching out!! There are most certainly people like you and most of them turn out just fine! It is important though to find out what's behind this so you can find the support you need.
Can you explain (at least for yourself) why you are skipping school and failing? Is it more the material itself, or the social environment at school? Are you anxious about going to school, if so what are you anxious about? Can you pin-point anything that would make your life easier?
Have you got any support services at your school, a guidance counselor, a school psychologist, or at least a teacher you trust? Do you have any trusted adult in your life who you could talk to? Please continue to look for answers. Life will get better!
Good luck!
KP
Thank you for reaching out!! There are most certainly people like you and most of them turn out just fine! It is important though to find out what's behind this so you can find the support you need.
Can you explain (at least for yourself) why you are skipping school and failing? Is it more the material itself, or the social environment at school? Are you anxious about going to school, if so what are you anxious about? Can you pin-point anything that would make your life easier?
Have you got any support services at your school, a guidance counselor, a school psychologist, or at least a teacher you trust? Do you have any trusted adult in your life who you could talk to? Please continue to look for answers. Life will get better!
Good luck!
KP
Steven Young
Business Owner
29
Answers
Glen Cove, New York
Updated
Steven’s Answer
Taking positive steps by realizing and publicly admitting that you know your putting your future in danger are a good start to fixing things. Asking for help is also a good positive step. You are only 14. It is not too late to change your behavior. By skipping school so much you don't have the advantage of the classroom lessons and miss whatever the teacher brings up that isn't in the text book or that she expands on. If she then tests on any of these, you're going to lose credits.
You need to decide thought if you really want to improve or not. If you do then you need to stop skipping school. You also need to be honest with yourself and determine if you're failing because of lack of effort. If you are, then you need to start making your BEST EFFORT from now on. This includes doing your assignments on time or earlier and to your best ability. You can make it through life and do well but it's up to you. You're learning bad habits! The more you skip school or don't try your best in school the more used to being that way you will get.
Unfortunately, there are many here on Quora like you.
At 14 you're probably a freshman in high school. If you have any thoughts of college your failing grades won't get you in anywhere besides possibly a community college.
Decide if you really want to improve.
Stop skipping school, if you do want to improve.
If you want to improve: Try your best to do well in school, This includes doing your assignments on time or earlier and to your best ability.
You need to decide thought if you really want to improve or not. If you do then you need to stop skipping school. You also need to be honest with yourself and determine if you're failing because of lack of effort. If you are, then you need to start making your BEST EFFORT from now on. This includes doing your assignments on time or earlier and to your best ability. You can make it through life and do well but it's up to you. You're learning bad habits! The more you skip school or don't try your best in school the more used to being that way you will get.
Unfortunately, there are many here on Quora like you.
At 14 you're probably a freshman in high school. If you have any thoughts of college your failing grades won't get you in anywhere besides possibly a community college.
Steven recommends the following next steps:
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1851
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I am not sure on your reason of truancy. Do you understand the material covered in the class?
Below are my suggestions :
1. Engage the school counsellor and discuss on your issue/concern. I believe he/she can give you some guidance.
2. Try to pick up the class to review and identify any questions you have. Bring this questions to your teachers. They will be able to help you.
3. Do you any friends in school? Try to go to school with them together.
4. Join some study groups with your friends to do assignment and projects together.
5. Prepare a timetable everyday to attend school, do assignments/revision, etc.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Below are my suggestions :
1. Engage the school counsellor and discuss on your issue/concern. I believe he/she can give you some guidance.
2. Try to pick up the class to review and identify any questions you have. Bring this questions to your teachers. They will be able to help you.
3. Do you any friends in school? Try to go to school with them together.
4. Join some study groups with your friends to do assignment and projects together.
5. Prepare a timetable everyday to attend school, do assignments/revision, etc.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Jody Muniz, P.E.
Project Manager / Forensic Engineer
25
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Jody’s Answer
Hello Sophia, I completely understand where you're coming from, and let me tell you, you are truly one-of-a-kind. There's no one else quite like you, and that's your superpower. You're the captain of your own ship, the author of your own story. I've faced my fair share of challenges in school, mostly because I didn't make the best choices about how to use my time.
I stumbled, I fell, and I made my journey more difficult than it needed to be. But you can learn from my mistakes. Embrace the opportunities your school offers and invest your time in self-improvement and personal growth. I urge you to step out of your comfort zone and explore new horizons. Participate in clubs where you can make new friends and broaden your social circle.
Focus on enhancing your academic skills, like reading and writing, which will contribute significantly to your personal development. Cultivate a habit of positive self-talk and steer clear of negativity. Remember, your words have power. You are the person you claim to be. Speak positively to yourself and others every day.
Each morning, remind yourself of your strengths - "I am hardworking, I am honest, I am a good friend, I am Sophia, and I know who I am!" Negative people might try to define you, but their opinions don't define your worth. You are the best judge of who you are.
Maintaining positivity in a world full of negativity is a daily battle, but it's a battle worth fighting. Decide to be happy each day. Embrace failure as a stepping stone towards success, not as a setback.
I encourage you to maintain a gratitude list. Appreciate your health, your ability to help others, the food you have, and the education you're receiving. Remember, you're in control of your destiny, and your choices will pave your path to success.
The level of success you achieve is directly proportional to your actions and choices. I remember being your age, filled with self-doubt and self-criticism. But choosing to be positive and striving to be a better version of yourself every day is entirely in your hands.
Tough times are inevitable, but they're temporary and they help you grow stronger. The more effort you put in now, the easier your future will be. By reaching out to CareerVillage, you've already taken a significant step towards self-improvement.
I found support in the friends I made in clubs, who helped me through subjects like chemistry, physics, and trigonometry when I was struggling. Their assistance was invaluable and it played a huge role in shaping who I am today. So, Sophia, remember, you're unique, you're powerful, and you're on the right path. Keep going!
Learn to speak positively every day.
Avoid negative talk and avoid negative people.
Invest your time in positive people who value you.
Make good choices that will benefit you and your goals.
Be positive and happy every day and invest your efforts in positive growth. You are the master of your destiny.
I stumbled, I fell, and I made my journey more difficult than it needed to be. But you can learn from my mistakes. Embrace the opportunities your school offers and invest your time in self-improvement and personal growth. I urge you to step out of your comfort zone and explore new horizons. Participate in clubs where you can make new friends and broaden your social circle.
Focus on enhancing your academic skills, like reading and writing, which will contribute significantly to your personal development. Cultivate a habit of positive self-talk and steer clear of negativity. Remember, your words have power. You are the person you claim to be. Speak positively to yourself and others every day.
Each morning, remind yourself of your strengths - "I am hardworking, I am honest, I am a good friend, I am Sophia, and I know who I am!" Negative people might try to define you, but their opinions don't define your worth. You are the best judge of who you are.
Maintaining positivity in a world full of negativity is a daily battle, but it's a battle worth fighting. Decide to be happy each day. Embrace failure as a stepping stone towards success, not as a setback.
I encourage you to maintain a gratitude list. Appreciate your health, your ability to help others, the food you have, and the education you're receiving. Remember, you're in control of your destiny, and your choices will pave your path to success.
The level of success you achieve is directly proportional to your actions and choices. I remember being your age, filled with self-doubt and self-criticism. But choosing to be positive and striving to be a better version of yourself every day is entirely in your hands.
Tough times are inevitable, but they're temporary and they help you grow stronger. The more effort you put in now, the easier your future will be. By reaching out to CareerVillage, you've already taken a significant step towards self-improvement.
I found support in the friends I made in clubs, who helped me through subjects like chemistry, physics, and trigonometry when I was struggling. Their assistance was invaluable and it played a huge role in shaping who I am today. So, Sophia, remember, you're unique, you're powerful, and you're on the right path. Keep going!
Jody recommends the following next steps:
Elizabeth Mullins
Supervisor
1
Answer
Lebanon, New Hampshire
Updated
Elizabeth’s Answer
Hi Sophia,
Thank you for your question. Trust me when I say you are not alone. My son had a similar problem when he entered High School. Getting him
up and out of the house was a daily challenge. I'm not sure if something like this is available where you are, but what we were able to do is get my son into the Vocational - Technical School in a nearby city. He was able to spend half the day learning about something he enjoyed, cars.
He needed to do his 4 basic academics, but the rest of the day was spent doing something he liked.
This maybe something worth looking into. No matter what happens and what direction you take your education you can and will become anything you put your mind to. You have that power.
Good Luck.
Liz
Thank you for your question. Trust me when I say you are not alone. My son had a similar problem when he entered High School. Getting him
up and out of the house was a daily challenge. I'm not sure if something like this is available where you are, but what we were able to do is get my son into the Vocational - Technical School in a nearby city. He was able to spend half the day learning about something he enjoyed, cars.
He needed to do his 4 basic academics, but the rest of the day was spent doing something he liked.
This maybe something worth looking into. No matter what happens and what direction you take your education you can and will become anything you put your mind to. You have that power.
Good Luck.
Liz