Tips From a Sevie
By Jing Qu, Grade 7
Middle School South
I remember my 6th grade years, the unforgiving locker grief that always seem to pop up at the wrong time, the HUGE difference about sitting at the 8-chair table or the 10-chair table, and the constant worry about being “in”. A whole year has gone by and here I am! Still alive and okay. The year last year was hard, but I got through it, and now I’m creating a little imaginary Q & A just for you new sixies!
Q: My best friend from Hebrew school wants me to sit at her table for lunch, but my OTHER best friend from softball wants me to sit at HER table for lunch. It just so happens that my friend from Hebrew school just HATES my friend from softball. BUT, I don’t want to sit at EITHER of their tables because they’re not the “cool” one. HELP!
A: When you get a dilemma like this, it’s easy to forget BOTH of your friends because of this need to fit “in”. Everyone wants to be popular, and that’s totally understandable. However sometimes you have to ask yourself, “Wait, do they really care about me?” Try switching around tables at lunch, that way you’ll get to know EVERYBODY. And remember, if your best friend just happens to “forget” on more than one occasion to save you a seat, maybe she’s not your best friend at all.
Q: I look fatter than everybody else; my hair is always just “out of it”. I stink at sports and always get picked last for projects. Zits are popping up all over my face and I always say the wrong things at the wrong time to my crush. HELP!
A: When in middle school, it is SO easy to get image-conscience. Watching what you eat and exercising is the best way to get a better weight. Try getting involved in intramurals or district programs will definitely up your game. And believe it or not, cutting down the make-up and eating more fruits will actually give you clearer skin. When you realize that the “cool” kids just don’t like you, try talking to those who tends to stay behind the limelight. Those people might just be the ones who really understands you, and genuinely likes you for who you are.
Q: My grades are slipping and I don’t “get” anything that we talk about in class. My parents just told me that a D in science means getting grounded. I really want to get a good grade, but I just can’t understand the topic. I feel dumb and everyone thinks so too. My next plan is just to blow off my grades altogether. HELP!
A: Middle school means material that is supposed to challenge you, and with sometimes four teachers, that can seem overwhelming. The first step is to ask a teacher for help (yes, they actually like it). You can also talk to Mr. Schneider for getting a peer tutor. Peer tutors are other kids who will help you “get” the material. If your grades seem to be dropping, try establishing a study plan, so that when the next test come, you know that you will ace it!
Q: I have dance on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and gymnastics Saturday mornings. Every other Monday, I go to tennis matches. On Fridays I baby-sit and after that I always go to the movies. I have piano exams coming up and also I have volleyball everyday until four. On top of that I have about one and a half of homework each night. HELP!
A: Doesn’t it seem sometimes that there just aren’t enough hours in the day? Try cutting down activities and focusing on you school work first, then any extra-curricular. Think in cycles. Maybe you can continue dance after your piano exam. Don’t overschedule yourself, list consequences and then decide what you can or cannot fit in your schedule. This way, you’ll be sure to make it through the WHOLE six grade year!